World Cup-inspired referee tools, from spray‑foam markers to VAR stadium announcements, adopted in Belgium

A temporary foam spray used by referees to mark the free‑kick wall was invented by a Brazilian unemployed worker, Heine Allemagne, who first tested the product in his bathroom in 2000. After a 14‑year development period, FIFA officially adopted the spray for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and it has been used at every tournament since, including the upcoming 2026 edition. The inventor later sued FIFA for €84 million, claiming the organization failed to compensate him for the patented technology.

Separately, the Belgian Pro League announced that it will introduce a World Cup‑tested VAR communication method this season. The new procedure lets the referee announce VAR decisions through a stadium‑wide microphone in clear English, improving transparency and fan understanding. The league plans to roll out the system in October, following the example set during recent World Cup matches.