The French Football Federation (FFF) have agreed to adopt the use of spray, to fix distances for free-kicks and their walls, at top level matches around the country this season, president Noel Le Graet announced on Thursday.
The highly popular practice, which sees officials spray the pitch with a white substance to keep walls at correct distance and also reduce the approachment of the ball placing, was a revelation at the recent World Cup in Brazil where the idea was first used at the very highest level.
"We have adopted (the use of) spray, for Ligue 1, Ligue 2, the National championship and women's first division. This decision will be applied for the start of the season," read Le Graet's statement.
The innovation, that keeps walls at the madatory 9.15m (10 yards), will also be used at French Cup matches from the round of 32 for men and from the round of 16 for women.
The white mousse, that became a common image of the World Cup, disappears after approximately a minute.
UEFA are also set to use the spray for the upcoming Champions League and Europa League campaigns.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports).
Short link: