Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has called for FIFA to make an adjustment to clarify the troublesome offside rule.In a week full of footballing innovations, proposals and amendments, there is one more the Swede would like to see - and that is a return to a simple "black and white" offside ruling.

While the league's idea of introducing a 39th match to the top-flight season - visiting a variety of far-flung destinations along the way - has garnered most of the media attention, City boss Eriksson is concerned with more immediate matters.

He offered mixed views on the controversial Premier League 'roadshow' - and as a manager who has advocated a winter break but is employed by a club who have been initially receptive to the plans, that is understandable.

But on other topics, the 60-year-old is clear in his views.

"Congratulations to the Premier League after many, many years - too many years - for finally deciding you can have seven players on the bench. Now it is like the rest of the world," said Eriksson, who is used to the format having spent most of his career on the continent before taking up international coaching with England.

"I am very happy. It is a great decision and one which should have been taken many years ago.

"Now, (the offside rule) is in need of clarification. When even the referee is telling you it is grey something is wrong.

"Make it black and white, don't make it grey."

And the former England boss, one of many managers who have expressed puzzlement at the various clauses involved in the current guidelines - which include talk of 'active' and 'inactive' players and different 'phases of play' - has called for the sport's world governing body FIFA to take the first step.

"I don't think you can do anything about it in England. You have to do it at a FIFA level. If you are the Premier League or Serie A or La Liga you have to follow them and that is it.

"It is more an international question than a national one."

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