‘vanishing Spray’ Gets Premier League Go-ahead

The Premier League has confirmed that the vanishing spray that became a favourite amongst fans and referees at the Fifa World Cup in Brazil will be introduced for the upcoming season.

The vanishing spray – used by referees to mark out a distance of 10 yards for defensive walls at free-kicks in order to prevent encroachment and speed up play – gained a cult-status during the competition this summer.

UEFA has already announced it will adopt the system for Champions League and Europa League games.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: ‘At the Premier League we are open to developments that enhance the competition and it was clear from watching the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil that vanishing spray benefited referees, players, and all of those who watched the matches.’

The bright white foam, which remains in view for around one minute before evaporating, was invented by Brazilian Heine Allegmagne and was first used in a competitive match in Belo Horizonte as far back as 2000. 

Meanwhile, the Football League is also set to test the spray in this season’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.