Vanishing spray, also known as vanishing foam, is a substance applied to an association football pitch in order to provide a temporary visual marker. It is most often used by the referee to indicate the minimum distance that the defending team may position themselves from the ball during a direct free kick, as well as to indicate the spot from where the kick is taken. The spray appears similar to white paint or watered-down shaving foam when initially applied. It completely disappears within a minute, leaving no visible residue behind.
A referee applying vanishing spray before a free kick
Vanishing spray used in the match between Achilles '29 and Sparta Rotterdam
Vanishing spray in use at the 2014 FIFA World Cup
Vanishing spray can be clipped to a referee's waist
Free kick (association football)
A free kick is a method of restarting play in association football. It is awarded after an infringement of the laws by the opposing team.
A direct free kick being taken by RB Salzburg
Freekick imitation
Often several players (red) will line up for a free kick, so as to mask their intentions to the defending team (blue).
Vanishing spray has been utilised in recent years to indicate the minimum distance for free kicks.
