WEMBLEY will allow Conference sponsors Blue Square to break years of tradition and change pitch markings for their upcoming promotion play-off final on Saturday 17th May.

Blue Square has received special permission from The FA and FIFA to have coloured pitch markings to highlight their sponsorship of Non-League's top flight. The standard corner quadrants will be changed to a square of similar size with special pitch dye used to colour the squares blue.

It's thought to be the first change in pitch markings in over 50 years, as the playing surface has evolved from just a standard grass patch with two goals when association football originated back in the late 1800's.

Blue Square spokesman Alan Alger said: "We are grateful that FIFA and The FA have allowed this request and they agreed with us that it wouldn't have any effect on the overall game.

"We did have a request to change the centre circle to a Blue Square declined because the circle does serve a specific purpose.

"As the squares will not be any different in size than the quadrants, they were quite satisfied a change could be made.

"We've spoken to the managers and staff at the teams challenging for promotion and they had no problem whatsoever with the change.

"We're looking forward to an exciting match and making a little bit of history in the process.

"The Wembley groundsman did have a few reservations at first but was satisfied the pitch could be returned to its normal condition in time for the FA Cup Final just two weeks later."

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