The FA Community Shield

Vanishing spray to be used in FA Community Shield

Thursday 07 Aug 2014
Vanishing Spray will be used in The FA Community Shield supported by McDonald's

Vanishing spray will make its English football debut at Wembley on Sunday for The FA Community Shield supported by McDonald's.

Many of the Arsenal and Manchester City players on show will be familiar with the spray after seeing it used at this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

And this weekend referee Michael Oliver will be equipped with a can as he takes charge of this season's curtain-raiser under the Arch.

The FA Community Shield supported by McDonald

Vanishing spray will be used on Sunday

The spray, which is made mainly of water and butane gas, has been used in Brazil since 2000 to allow officials to mark ten yards from the ball to the wall at free-kicks.

In line with general practice worldwide and IFAB’s intention that vanishing spray is only for the very highest levels of competition, The FA has approved the use of vanishing spray in the Premier League, the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and the later rounds of The FA Cup only. 
 
Referees must therefore not use vanishing spray in any other matches/competitions.

FA General Secretary Alex Horne said: “It is great that vanishing spray will be used for the first time in England in this Sunday’s FA Community Shield fixture at Wembley Stadium. 

"Vanishing spray was a great innovation at the 2014 World Cup, having been trialled in South America, and The FA were instrumental in allowing this into the Laws of the Game in 2012 through our role in IFAB.

"All the select list referees have been at St. George’s Park for tests with the spray and I am sure they will look forward to using it this season. 

"Michael Oliver has the honour of refereeing this weekend’s game. I am sure it will be a fantastic occasion between two great clubs in Arsenal and Manchester City."

Tickets are still available for Manchester City fans for the game at Wembley, which kicks off at 3pm. Click here for more information. Arsenal tickets are sold out.

By FA Staff