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FIFA Is Ordered to Pay Million-Dollar Compensation to the Brazilian Who Invented the Barrier Spray Used in the World Cup and Even Today in Official Soccer Tournaments
Heine Allemagne, 53 years old, has finally won the longest match of his life, and it was not on the field. The native of Ituiutaba, creator of the famous barrier spray used by referees for free kicks, saw the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) confirm the condemnation of FIFA for misuse of patent and bad faith in contractual matters.
The court determined that his company, Spuni Comércio de Produtos Esportivos, should be compensated with an indemnity of US$ 40 million, estimated at R$ 200 million.
From Delivery Person to World-Renowned Inventor
Heine was born into a humble family in a town of just over 100,000 inhabitants in Triângulo Mineiro. Before becoming an inventor, he had a life marked by effort and reinvention. “I was a delivery person, sold newspapers on the street, delivered flyers. Then I went to an accounting office, then to a printing house… I also started a business, became a businessman, worked on television, with an advertising agency. Today, I consider myself an advertiser,” he told ESPN.
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His passion for soccer always accompanied him. During his youth, he was a forward in “pick-up games” with friends.
The idea that would change his life emerged during a time of financial difficulty. “I was working in more than one place and thought I needed to change my destiny. One day, watching a game, I heard Galvão Bueno say: ‘I want to see the guy who will keep the wall in place.’ Then I said: ‘I’m going to solve this right now,’” the inventor recalled.
The Beginning of the Dispute with FIFA
In 2017, Heine decided to confront the top soccer entity in court. He accused FIFA of using his invention without permission after failed licensing negotiations. According to a report by ESPN Brazil, the Brazilian was seeking compensation for bad faith and patent violation — and now, seven years later, had his case recognized in the STJ.
During the process, it was revealed that FIFA tried to buy the patent for US$ 500,000, but the agreement was never signed. Even so, the entity began using the product in official tournaments, including the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil. At that time, Heine’s company supplied 300 spray cans to the tournament referees.
“FIFA Stole My Idea”
In an interview with The New York Times, Heine stated that FIFA “stole my idea.” “This goes against fair play,” he claimed, highlighting the contradiction between the ethical discourse of the entity and its commercial practices. The case garnered international attention and brought to light a debate about intellectual property and sports ethics.
The inventor also mentioned that the former FIFA Secretary-General, Jérôme Valcke, sent a letter to him and his partner, Argentine Pablo Silva, acknowledging that the invention helped make the sport fairer. Nevertheless, the entity continued to use the product without authorization and was prohibited by the Court of Justice of Rio de Janeiro from using it in any competition. Still, the spray was again applied in tournaments like the Club World Cup, in clear violation of the decision.
The New STJ Decision
On April 20, 2025, Minister Luis Felipe Salomão, vice president of the STJ, denied a new appeal from FIFA that sought to take the case to the Supreme Federal Court (STF). According to the decision, the entity “acted contrary to objective good faith” when negotiating with Spuni and later using the invention without a contract. The court also reaffirmed that FIFA’s conduct was abusive and harmed the Brazilian company’s role in the sports market, constituting a clear violation of pre-contractual trust (source G1obo).
A Symbol of Brazilian Persistence That Revolutionized Soccer Worldwide
Of humble origins, Heine Allemagne built an inspiring journey. His invention revolutionized world soccer and exposed the resistance of large conglomerates to recognize the merit of independent innovators.
For sports law experts, the outcome of the dispute creates a historic precedent in Brazil. “It is a clear demonstration that Brazilian justice can protect inventors even against global giants,” said attorney Eduardo Barcellos, consulted by CNN Brazil.
And you, what do you think of this story? Do you believe the mining inventor achieved justice or will FIFA still try to turn the game around? Share your thoughts in the comments and share this article with those who also love seeing Brazilians outsmarting the powerful off the field.
Vender o primeiro carro pra ele. Tinha acabado de inventar o spray, tirou no nome do irmão dele que trabalhava em um supermercado. Um pálio branco.
Dai a Cézar, o que é de Cezar…
Tem que receber tudo corretamente. Viva a Justiça!