This is a case that FIFA would have done well without. Pablo Silva and Haine Germany, the creators of the spray used by the referees on free kick situations, have taken legal action against the governing body of international football. According to AS, the two men accuse FIFA of using the spray without their consent and of having infringed their patent.
The lawsuit was filed in a Brazilian court four years ago and a court ruling is expected in the coming days.
Pablo Silva and Haine Germany demand € 40 million in damages while Gianni Infantino, boss of FIFA, faces one to four years in prison. “We are awaiting the decision on the merits at first instance. We are going to demand that Gianni Infantino and all those linked to it go to prison, in addition to the seizure of assets and accounts, ”Pablo Silva explained to the Spanish daily. While the use of the spray had been prohibited by a Brazilian judge, FIFA did not pay attention to it and continued to use it, under another brand.
