Wenger wants to fix VAR offsides but broken handball rule is the real problem
Five years ago, Fifa's chief of global development, Arsène Wenger, outlined his bold plans to change the offside law.
'The most difficult [issue] that people have [with VAR] is the offside rule,' he said. 'You have had offsides by a fraction of a centimetre, literally by a nose. It is the time to do this quickly.
'There is room to change the rule and not say that a part of a player's nose is offside, so you are offside because you can score with that. Instead, you will be not be offside if any part of the body that can score a goal is in line with the last defender, even if other parts of the attacker's body are in front. That will sort it out and you will no longer have decisions about millimetres and a fraction of the attacker being in front of the defensive line.'
I can't actually recall someone being offside literally by a nose – VAR came in after Alan Smith stopped playing (many apologies Smudge, first big-nosed player that came to mind; a compliment if anything).
Fortunately for all of us, Wenger's plea to do this quickly didn't materialise. And it is astonishing that neither he, nor anyone around him, has noticed how absolutely disastrous this change would be.
Five years later, on beIN Sports this week, he reiterated this position. 'In 1990 we decided that [there is] no offside any more when you are on the same line [as the defender]. In case of doubt the doubt benefits the striker. That means when there's a fraction the striker could get the advantage. With VAR this advantage disappeared … It's frustrating. That's why I propose that as long as any part of your body is on the same line as the defender then you are not offside.'
Now to be absolutely clear, I am a big daylight fan. My kids love daylight. I spend a great deal of time in daylight, I see some of my best friends in daylight. I'm also a big admirer of Wenger. The football Arsenal played under him was glorious at times – even if they did on occasion just try to walk it in. This is not suggesting he's past it and we should ignore his views on the game in the way people should definitely stop asking Des Lynam what he thinks of female pundits.
However frustrated we are talking about toenails and shoulders, and any other pointy bit you can score with – your knees, your chins, your Adam's apples – this would just change the discussion to heels and protruding backsides. Terrible implications perhaps for the buttock augmentation industry (I confess to not being an expert in this particular field).
If you consider a striker sprinting through and a defender stepping out, if the attacking player is deemed onside if the point of the toe of his fully extended trailing leg is just in line with the heel of the centre back, it would weigh things in the attacking team's favour to a ludicrous extent. High lines would disappear, and we love high lines – Barcelona, Spurs, Aston Villa, etc – however terrifying they are for the supporters.
It is extraordinary that someone in such a position of influence, or at least someone who has watched so much football, can't see how this would change the game. Low blocks everywhere. Set pieces would be impossible to defend.
A couple of months ago, Wenger supported the continuation of trials over 'torso offsides' discussed at an International Football Association Board (Ifab) meeting in Belfast. According to our reporting, moving the line back, to where the player's torso is in line, is gaining favour among lawmakers, with the rationale that not only would it be a more balanced cutoff point but that the torso is easier to capture using tracking software, potentially allowing for quicker decisions.
So is it daylight, is it the torso, or is it where we are currently? Can we stop moving the goalposts – apologies, probably best not to bring goalposts into this. The torso idea is interesting. When it was first suggested, there were a number of offside goals in the Premier League that would have counted in a torso world. I'd be interested to see a game of profile but no importance (eg the Community Shield) try it out so we could all see.
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But if the problem is that really close VAR offsides are frustrating for everyone (and really close VAR offsides are frustrating for everyone), then moving the line doesn't change anything. There will always be a line, there will always be decisions made by millimetres. When does daylight begin? 1cm? 1mm? 0.1mm? What's the right amount of daylight? When does a torso begin? Do players start hitching their shorts to Simon Cowell heights?
Offside wasn't introduced for any of this. It was introduced to stop goalhanging. The endless delays for offside are one of the main reasons my VAR journey has gone from vaguely pro to indifferent to in favour of getting rid.
But I disagree with Wenger that offside is the most difficult issue fans have with VAR – when I say fans, I mean me. And with no apologies for repeating myself, VAR has broken the handball law. Myles Lewis-Skelly's handball in Wednesday's PSG-Arsenal game is one such example.
No one in the ground or at home noticed it. In fact, when 'Potential penalty check' appeared on the screen, a hoard of Arsenal fans being filmed at Boxpark Wembley presumed it was for them because the ball was up the other end.
We are so far down the handball rabbit warren that people just accept it. Thank goodness Sue Smith on the international co-comms made all the important points: 'It's so close, he's turning his back, his arm is out for balance, I think that's a really harsh penalty.' In no world should that be a penalty. And everyone involved in managing the laws of football should be ashamed that they've let the game get to this stage.
That PSG get an 80% chance of a goal because the ball brushes Lewis-Skelly's hand when goals are such a rarity in football is ridiculous. And goals being a rarity are what makes football the greatest sport. If we are determined to penalise all handballs, make this a free-kick. Hopefully someone at Fifa or Ifab, even Arsène Wenger, will acknowledge this and try to change it. Yours, desperately hoping someone will see the (day)light.
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This article contains affiliate links. The products or services listed have been selected independently by journalists after hands-on testing or sourcing expert opinions. We may earn a commission when you click a link, buy a product or subscribe to a service. Anyone who has finished a long training run or cycle in the summer will know how it feels to crave electrolytes. In hot weather, you lose more sodium the harder you work, leaving you feeling fatigued, thirsty and craving something salty. Some electrolytes are chewable sweet tablets which can be eaten on their own, while others are tipped into water bottles and shaken. Electrolytes should be used in combination with energy gels and post-workout recovery drinks. They replenish lost minerals quickly, which is especially important to speed up recovery and avoid cramps. The good news is the best electrolytes don't tend to be expensive. Every electrolyte I tested below costs around £1.50 per serving, whether that was for an individual sachet or as part of a bulk order, from somewhere like MyProtein, Humantra or Kendal Mint. We regularly check and update this guide in line with latest medical advice and guidance and to keep abreast of new products and releases. Below, you can find my full reviews, as well as answers to frequently asked questions. The best electrolytes: At a glance JUMP TO REVIEWS How to choose the best electrolytes Choosing the best electrolytes for you should be a personalised decision, based on your activity level and health needs. If you're going to be doing intense exercise lasting over an hour, choose electrolytes with a higher sodium content like Precision Hydration, as this will replace losses from sweat. Endurance athletes might benefit from hypotonic formulas like Styrkr, which absorb faster. Meanwhile everyday users should choose balanced, low-sugar options that combine electrolytes with vitamins. Users have a few options to choose from including: powders, which allow custom dosing and often include recovery additives, tablets, which provide portable, pre-measured doses and ready-made drinks, which suit those wanting convenience. It's always worth checking the label for key minerals, like sodium (non-negotiable), potassium and magnesium (preferred) and calcium (a nice-to-have). Ideally, there'll also be three to six per cent carbohydrates to help with ingestion and minimal sugars. As with all sports nutrition, those with medical conditions or taking medication should consult their GP, and those looking for a quick vitamin hit should turn to food first. Over-supplementation can cause heart issues and nausea. Head to our FAQ section for more advice from a sports performance nutritionist if you're concerned. How we test electrolytes I tested these electrolytes during the Scottish Forth Bridge 20 mile race, a 34km long run in hot weather, the London Marathon, Geneva Half Marathon, a five hour mountain trail run in the Alps, and shorter runs with a distance of around 10km in 18C plus weather conditions. Each electrolyte was tested both before and after each race, ensuring the same one was used throughout for consistency and accurate results. No sample was tested just once. I used each electrolyte for a minimum of three times during testing, with workouts and events of varying degrees of toughness. Spare samples were distributed to members of my running club to get additional feedback. First, I evaluated the ingredients list, checking which form of electrolyte was included (sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium) and in what quantity, and noted any additives or natural flavours. I also considered ease of ingestion, especially during a race, and whether I felt a difference. I tested more products than those are featured on this list, narrowing it down to my absolute favourites. Those that I disregarded had off-putting flavours, too many additives or a lack of discernable impact on performance. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best electrolytes of 2025 1. Best Buy Electrolyte: SiS Hydro+ Drink Mix Score: 9/10 We like: Dissolves quickly in water bottle for speedy hydration Sachets are small and open easily so you can carry during events Recovery was fast after using (liked addition of vitamins for extra oomph) Not too much sodium so easy on stomach We don't like: Some flavours contain green tea extract so check if you're sensitive to caffeine Having individual sachets rather than tablets creates litter This is as close to the perfect electrolyte as I found, owing to the pleasant taste and how quickly the powder dissolves. I felt confident taking a sachet with me during the London Marathon and dissolving it in a bottle handed out on the course mid-race. Instantly dissolving powder will be music to the ears of ultra-runners, endurance cyclists and anyone else doing long distance events where carrying tablets or gummies can result in a sticky pocket mess. The flavours are refreshing and not salty – the mango and orange tasted like a glass of fruit squash from childhood. I felt refreshed and suffered no cramps or other adverse stomach issues during use. The added vitamins (B12, C) were a nice touch and aided electrolyte delivery around the body. As a long distance runner I'm usually nervous to put things in my mouth that aren't just 'salts', 'sugars' or 'carbs,' but I experienced no gastrointestinal issues while taking these electrolytes. Key specifications Serve: 1 sachet to 500ml water Sodium per serving: 350mg Potassium: 300mg Magnesium: 56mg 2. Best Value Electrolyte: HIGH5 ZERO Tablets These are a great starter electrolyte and due to their low sodium content (250mg), they are also easy on the stomach. This is especially good after a tough workout session, where eating or drinking supplements with strong flavours doesn't always appeal. There's a good range of flavours – I tested berry and found that although it didn't taste anything like berries, it wasn't an aggressive taste and was easy to drink. The biggest downside for me was how long it took the tablets to dissolve in a bottle. They're not something you'd be able to pop into a race bottle on-the-go, but they worked absolutely fine for a pre-workout hydration mix or for recovery hydration. At the equivalent of less than 40p per tablet, HIGH5 (so called because of the five electrolytes) are a great budget option and tend to work for everyone. I enjoyed knowing there's a range of interesting sounding flavours, from turmeric and ginger to 'tropical'. Key specifications 3. Best Natural Electrolytes: Huma Hydration Drink Mix Score: 9/10 We like: No muscle fatigue A significant sodium hit without being able to taste the sodium All natural ingredients - non synthetic flavour We don't like: Took a bit longer than the others to dissolve A little sweeter than others (so may be quicker to get flavour fatigue) Huma is cornering the market when it comes to naturally-flavoured, non-GMO (genetically modified organisms, which have health and environmental risks), no-baddies supplements. This comes in a handy ready-to-use sachet, with powder that dissolved easily when I popped it into a glass. It fizzed up more than the others I tested, and for a second I wondered if I was going to have to contend with a fizzy sherbet fountain. However, the drink soon settled and I was surprised at how sweet it tasted. Checking the ingredients, there's definitely no added sugar – that said, the sweetness was pleasant and masked any salty flavour. Huma has 380mg of sodium which according to their blurb 'matches the sweat profile of an average person'. This is a pleasant taste and it saw off cramps and muscle fatigue during an endurance cycling Zwift session. Key specifications Serve: 1 sachet to 500ml water Sodium per serving: 380mg Potassium: 100mg Magnesium: 40mg 4. Best for In-race Fuelling: SaltStick FastChews Lemon Lime Electrolytes As a disclaimer, I've been using these electrolyte chews for years as my own in-race fuel. For balance, I asked two running friends to co-test these. I'm not good at drinking during fast races because most of it goes over me, so the thought of drinking an electrolyte mixture mid-run doesn't fill me with confidence. SaltStick electrolyte chews aren't the best option for rehydrating, but they're a great choice for a mid-race sodium top up. They can be carried in a pocket during a race and crunched down when needed. My rule of thumb is when they start to taste too salty, you've had enough. My only criticism is their serving suggestion can be tricky to figure out. The packet suggests you take one tablet every 15 minutes. They deliver 100mg of sodium per tablet, so I can understand their reasoning on a hot day, but this feels like it could be overkill – if only because of how dry it would make your mouth. Your preferred serving size might take a bit of trial and error. My two running friends concurred that they taste like sweets, although one said with a dry mouth already, it sucked the moisture out mid-run. That said, they both agreed it was easier than drinking, so these are a great faff-free option, Key specifications 5. Best Electrolytes for Range of Flavours: Humantra Electrolytes Styled as the lifestyle electrolyte, these are advertised as being for people 'who run, think or breathe'. In short, if it's warm, Humantra recommends these electrolytes. I decided to test these after cycling. I did a sustained 50 minute threshold session on an indoor bike at a gym with no air conditioning and sweated a lot. When I came home, I knew I needed to replenish my salt levels quickly as I felt sluggish and had cramps in my toes. I loved that these electrolytes were in sachets, so they were easy to tip into a flask and shake. The marketing for these suggest that they're good for non-sports people too, to simply remain hydrated day to day. Online, I even saw someone say that they added them to a glass of ice and a sprig of mint for a refreshing drink. From a sports perspective, there are certainly stronger options out there. This product also has added vitamins and minerals like B12 which are handy from a lifestyle perspective, but don't contribute much to recovery. That said, on one hot day, inspired and tired from a day's humid cycling commute to the office, I do find myself mixing up an icy drink with elderberry, ice and a slice of lemon. It was delightful. Key specifications Serve: 1 sachet to 500ml water Sodium per serving: 200mg Potassium: 200mg Magnesium: 25mg 6. Best Electrolytes for Carbohydrates and Hydration: Kendal Mint Raspberry and Mint Isotonic Hydration This is a curveball option – it's the only one on the list that offers 34g of carbohydrate per serving, while also delivering a serious hit of sodium (146mg). Endurance athletes should look to Kendal Mint if they want to hydrate, take on electrolytes and refuel all at the same time. The taste is hit and miss. I love mint and find it one of the only palatable flavours when I'm doing tough endurance exercise. Others may not, and if that's the case then the Kendal Mint Range is probably not for you. Because this does come in a larger pouch, you will have to decant your own serving into a bottle or flask if you want to take it with you on the go, so it's less straightforward than other sachets to simply slip in your pocket. 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I prefer to have a sachet or tablet that is already pre-measured out, but ultimately any imbalance here is down to user-error. Also, I found it a bit of a faff having to count the number of drops going into a glass (16 is recommended,) and I certainly wouldn't be wanting to do this mid-workout. Key specifications Serve: 16 drops to 250ml water Sodium per serving: 125mg Potassium: 130mg Magnesium: 45mg 8. Best Electrolytes for Sensitive Insides: Active Root Electrolite Active Root is well-known in the endurance community for their drink mixes. You'll often see a 20l barrel of Active Root at aid stations on trail runs, because ginger acts as an anti-nausea agent. I took this Active Root electrolyte in a flask with me during a 32km training run in the Jura Mountains in Switzerland. I knew that I'd be running most of the day in direct sunlight, with a steep ascent ahead of me. It was pleasant to sip on and made a change from water. I didn't get any cramps and the headache that had been threatening actually alleviated. It was tricky to open however, especially with tired and sweaty hands. Active Root would do well to amend its packaging for better portability. Key specifications Serve: 1 sachet to 500ml water Sodium per serving: 322mg of sodium Potassium: 0mg Magnesium: 0mg 9. Best Electrolytes for Endurance Athletes: Styrkr Hypotonic Drink The Styrkr drink gives users 1000mg of salt per serving, which is three times the normal sweat rate of a human. They describe it as the 'highest single and adjustable serving hydration tablet on the market.' I can think of few instances where this amount of salt would be necessary, but if you are a pro-cyclist training for a humid jungle endurance race, then this product is for you. I would, on reflection, recommend halving the soluble tablets to take on 500mg of salt. This is still a good whack of sodium, but it will ease you into the product, rather than taking on the full load all at once. This is a product for sportspeople, not lifestyle, and I can imagine there are a number of situations where this level of electrolyte replenishment comes into its own. However, balancing this level of electrolytes with a workout or race would be best done with a nutritionist. Key specifications Serving: 1 tablet per 500ml water Sodium per serving: 1000mg Potassium: 100mg Magnesium: 25mg 10. Best Electrolytes for Salty Sweaters: Precision Hydration Electrolyte Tablets Precision's hydration describes itself as for 'salty sweaters', and like the Styrkr electrolytes above, that's certainly the case when you look at the volume of sodium in the mix (1000mg). Despite this, the salt flavour is mild. It has a delicate orange taste and smells like a weak fruit squash. It's actually refreshing, which is nice when trying to rehydrate on a hot day. One thing that did throw me was that unlike most of the other electrolytes I tested, Precision Hydration was colour-free, so it looked just like I was drinking a glass of water. Unlike the Styrkr hydration solution, I didn't get nausea or stomach upset after sampling this. I've started to get cramp in my calves at around 80 per cent through long trail runs – even more so now the hot weather is here. A few hours in I popped a tablet in my flask when I ran past a water fountain. It dissolved quickly and put an end to the cramps that usually haunt me when the sun ramps up. Key specifications Serving: 1 tablet in 500ml water Sodium per serving: 1000mg Potassium: 250mg Magnesium: 24mg 11. Best Electrolytes for Weightlifting: MyProtein Impact Hydrate Although I sampled the cherry and strawberry, I have been told the lemon and lime flavour is more palatable. The cherry is strong and the flavour made it difficult to get down, even after more dilution. That said I liked how the drink came with extras (Vitamin C, B12). As a vegetarian, I'm always looking for extra boosts of B12 in the food or supplements I take on, so this was a nice addition (if a little irrelevant to the product as an electrolyte). I tried this after a strength workout in the gym, which has no air conditioning, and the headache I sometimes get after a tough workout due to dehydration didn't materialise. The amount of sodium is quite low, so this might be a better choice for a lifestyle drink, or to take on after a light workout rather than a heavy hitting cardio session. Key specifications Electrolytes FAQs What role do electrolytes play? Without adequate hydration and electrolytes, your heart rate and blood pressure can increase, resulting in fatigue and cramps, potentially causing serious damage. Cramps are often caused by electrolyte imbalances, like low sodium. This happens during hot days where sodium and potassium are sweated out without adequate electrolyte replacement. To avoid this, drinking electrolytes while on the go or loading up before a workout could help. When should you take electrolytes? Sports performance nutritionist Kate Shilland says: 'Electrolytes are most beneficial during longer or more intense sessions. I generally recommend them for any session over an hour or if you're exercising in hot, sweaty conditions. 'For a slow 5k, a regular yoga class or for short workouts, water is enough as you're not typically going to be sweating too much. But, if you're already dehydrated, know you're a heavy sweater or you're prone to cramping, then electrolytes in your water can be a good idea for shorter sessions.' Should you take electrolytes before, during or after a session? 'For most people, taking electrolytes after a session helps best with recovery, but it's also important to start a workout well hydrated.' says Katie. 'I recommend an electrolyte tab in water the night before a big event to ensure you wake up hydrated.' She adds that if you're training in hot weather or for sessions over an hour, electrolytes before and during can help maintain performance. 'Electrolytes with an added carb source are great for performance as they help with fuelling as well as hydration.' Can you overdose on electrolytes? It's unlikely that you'll overdose on electrolytes using high street and over-the-counter brands. That said, there are some products (such as Precision Hydration's 1500 sports drink, which has three times as much sodium than an average drink) where it's easier to accidentally take on more sodium than expected. If this happens it's best to drink as much water as possible to help 'dilute' the salt in the body. Hypernatremia is when your bloodstream experiences a sharp influx of sodium. It can cause gastrointestinal distress, muscle spasms, puffiness in hands and fingers and feeling incredibly thirsty. What else should be in an electrolyte? 'Sodium is the main component as it's the primary mineral lost in sweat. We also need magnesium, potassium, chloride and calcium as these support muscle and nerve function and heart beat regulation. If you're a competitive athlete, it's essential that you look for 'informed Sport' certification for quality and safety assurance,' says Katie. What's the price range of an electrolyte? The price ranges of electrolyte range from £1.40 from a single serving sachet up to £45 for a tub of electrolyte powder. Tubes of tablets can be cheaper still.
