Premier League Confirms Plans to Use Vanishing Spray this Season

Vanishing spray will be used in the Premier League from the start of the 2014/15 season.

The initiative has been used to great success in Brazil and Argentina in recent years but its use at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil prompted calls for it to be introduced in England.

The Premier League have responded by announcing its introduction with Uefa having already confirmed plans for it to be used in the Champions League.

Referees will be able to mark out where a free kick should be taken and where the defending wall must stand in order to prevent encroachment.

Its use was considered a resounding success in Brazil where it prevented defending players from rushing out of their wall, an illegal but often overlooked practice.

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 benefitted referees, players, and all of those who watched the matches.

"Having witnessed that, and following consultation with our clubs and the PGMOL, we have decided to introduce it in the Barclays Premier League and look forward to having it in place for the 2014/15 season."

The spray, which remains on the surface of the pitch for 60 seconds, was invented by Heine Allemagne who is set to reap further financial rewards after the Premier League's decision to use it on these shores.