What Is The "Shaving Cream" Referees Are Using In The World Cup And How Does It Work?
You may have noticed something different the referees are doing in the World Cup, carrying a spray that leaves marks on the pitch. What are they and what are they used for? Read on to find out more.
By Darian Goh — 16 Jun 2014, 02:02 PM — Updated almost 10 years ago
For the first time, referees are using a special spray to mark the area where players can stand during a free kick
For the first time, FIFA referees are using the special spray to paint a temporary white line 10 yards from the free kick spot, marking the safe area into which opposing players cannot encroach.
cnn.comThe spray was created by an Argentinian journalist and entrepreneur Pablo Silva
The vanishing spray, which was an immediate hit Thursday on Twitter, is the brainchild of Argentinian journalist and entrepreneur Pablo Silva.
cnn.comPablo Silva, an Argentinian journalist, claims to have invented the spray after having the idea when driving home in a rage after seeing the opposition defence charge forward and block his crucial free-kick in an old boys’ tournament.
The spray is called 9:15 which is how 10 yards is expressed in metres
The spray is called 9:15 Fairplay, or 10 yards expressed in meters. It's already been used in games the past several years by Major League Soccer.
cnn.comThe best part of this spray is that the line would not last long, and will vanish in a matter of minutes
The spray disappears after one minute.
cnn.comThe so called “vanishing spray”, a type of foam that disappears in under a minute, has been a novel sight for European viewers, but has been in use in Brazilian domestic leagues for eight years.
Although it looks like shaving cream, it’s really a non-toxic “vanishing spray” created by Argentine journalist Pablo Silva that will dissolve into the grass anywhere from 90-120 seconds after use.
businessinsider.my
This then reduces the chance for teams to squabble or to stray from the line they are supposed to stand on
Now, with the vanishing spray, the refs can visibly mark 10 yards and ensure that the wall doesn’t encroach on the play. It’s a simple invention, but incredibly effective.
businessinsider.my
Perhaps more importantly, it allows the referee to see when any opportunists are stepping over the mark. A yellow card can be awarded for any footballer found pushing the limit.
mirror.co.ukThe spray makes it clear where the ball is to be placed and where the defenders have to stand. Since the use of spray we experience very few problems in achieving the ... (minimum) distance."
cnn.comThe "vanishing spray" is set to stay, which is going to be in use for the upcoming Champions League season
Next season, it will make its debut in the UEFA Champions League.
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Footie fans need to get used to seeing the mysterious spray because it's not going anywhere. Already it's been announced that the Champions League and Europa League will be arming their referees with the equipment.
mirror.co.uk