The Sun: A Chilean company is seeking 18 million pounds from UEFA, claiming it plagiarized the new Champions League format

"The Sun" reported that a Chilean company is seeking 18 million pounds from UEFA, accusing UEFA of stealing the new Champions League format from them.

UEFA launched the league stage in the Champions League and Europa League last season. The new competition system allows 36 teams to play 8 games in a unified standings, replacing the old grouping model in which 32 teams were divided into four team groups.

But a Chilean sports consulting firm has taken legal action against UEFA, claiming it proposed the concept to UEFA more than a decade ago. MatchVision is run by Leandro Sala, and the company claims that its CEO made a presentation and submitted the format to UEFA as early as 2013.

Sala said he registered a trademark on the concept in 2006 and accused UEFA of infringing on his intellectual property rights. He said: "I am the creator of this competition system, and FIFA has recognized the ownership of its intellectual property rights and development algorithms. I am not chasing windfalls. I only ask that my rights, input and expertise in the competition system be recognized so that I can reap the fruits of my sowing and hard work."

UEFA needs to respond to this legal claim within three weeks, and they currently refuse to comment on the matter.