LONDON — English Premier League referees will start using a vanishing spray to prevent encroachment by players in a defensive wall during free kicks.
The water-based, shaving cream-like foam was successfully deployed by FIFA at the World Cup in Brazil and will be used by the Premier League when the new season starts next month. It ensures players lining up in a wall against a free kick respect the 10-yard distance from the ball.
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore says “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 season starts on Aug. 16.
