Q.301

This is an image from a match in the recently concluded Copa America football tournament. You see the referee holding something. This is a recent innovation that has been used in South American football for the last couple of years and was introduced to such an international tournament for the first time.

It was invented by the Argentinian player-turned-businessman Pablo Silva who has a company called "9.15 Fair Play Limit" that produces it. Some reports claim that since its introduction, the number of goals in matches has gone up.

What does the referee usually use it for?

Image: Yahoo! and Getty Images

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When a free kick is awarded, there must be a gap of at least 10 yards (9.15 m) between the ball and the defenders. A common defensive tactic is to creep forward, esp. when the referee's attention is distracted. This makes it more difficult for the free-kick taker to attempt a direct shot on goal (whenever possible).

This has led to the introduction of an aerosol spray can that the referee can use to (temporarily) mark the 10 yard spot, thus helping to enforce the rule. See this article for more.