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Germany opts for vanishing foam

August 11, 2014

German football bosses have decided to introduce vanishing foam for free kicks. The spray, intended to stop defensive players' encroaching on set pieces, was deemed a success this summer at the World Cup.

https://p.dw.com/p/1CsiO
Mexican referee Francisco Chacon uses spray to mark the position for a free kick during the over time of the Copa America 2011 semifinal match Paraguay vs Venezuela at Malvinas Argentinas Stadium in Mendoza, Argentina, on 20 July 2011. EPA/IVAN FRANCO (zu dpa-Meldung: «Völler und Schmadtke für schnelle Einführung von Freistoß-Spray» vom 11.08.2014) +++(c) dpa - Bildfunk+++
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

After a meeting on Monday, the German Football League (DFL) announced that the spray would be introduced at the earliest opportunity in both the top-flight of the Bundesliga and the second division.

Used during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the spray was seen as an inexpensive and effective way to ensure defensive walls did not encroach on the individual taking the free kick by coming within 10 yards (9 meters) of the ball.

The DFL voted unanimously for the use of the canned spray foam, which disappears within two minutes of being sprayed.

"After the experiences in Brazil the league board has decided to introduce the vanishing for the Bundesliga and the second Bundesliga as early as possible," the DFL announced in a statement.

"The DFB [German Football Association] will solve any pending details so as to fix the specific date for its introduction," according to the league.

First used in the professional game in Brazil in 2000, the spray is now also authorized for use in the English, French and Spanish leagues.

The DFL also announced that it would launch a goal-line technology tender, with the result to be presented in December. Until now, most football clubs in the upper echelons of the Bundesliga had opposed the technology on cost grounds.

rc/mkg (dpa, Reuters)