UEFA Faces Legal Challenge Over Revolutionary ‘Swiss Model’ Format
The European football governing body, UEFA, has been served with a cease and desist notice by Leandro Shara, a Chilean sports consultant, over the unauthorized use of the new 36-team league phase format. Shara claims to have copyrighted the system in Chile in 2006 and argues that UEFA’s adoption of the format without permission constitutes unfair use.
The format, dubbed the “Swiss Model,” is set to revolutionize European tournaments, including the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, starting from the 2024-25 season. The new system replaces traditional group stages with a league format, where teams face eight different opponents, playing four matches at home and four away.
UEFA has dismissed Shara’s claims as “baseless” and described the notice as “just another entry on a list of similar actions.” The organization is confident in its introduction of the new format, which promises to shake up European football.
Shara, however, is adamant that his “Leandro Shara System” has been unfairly adopted and is seeking recognition and compensation for his work. The dispute raises questions about intellectual property rights in sports and the ownership of innovative ideas in competition formats.
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