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Premier League to use vanishing spray in matches

LONDON (AP) — 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 determined by the referee.

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.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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