Norwegian star Haaland sues Norwegian Air over illegal use of image

China News Service, October 2. Comprehensive foreign media reported on October 1 that Norwegian player Haaland is suing Norwegian Air, accusing the latter of illegally using his likeness. The airline responded by saying it had difficulty understanding the lawsuit and expressed "regret."

In an email to AFP, Haaland's lawyers said: "This case concerns the illegal use of Haaland's distinctive features by Norwegian Air in marketing and promotion of tickets during the World Cup."

It’s unclear what the cause of the dispute was, but Norwegian Air has removed a previously posted image from social media that showed one of its planes adorned with a ponytail — Haaland’s signature hairstyle until he recently cut his hair short. The image was captioned: "We have never looked so Norwegian."

Norwegian Air confirmed it had received the court summons, saying it was "difficult for us to understand." "Like the vast majority of people in Norway, we also supported the national team this summer through several impromptu posts inspired by the social media craze," a Norwegian Air spokesperson said.

The spokesman added: "It is regrettable that this support has been met with litigation, but we hope to be able to have a rational conversation so that we can continue to support our shared sporting heroes in the future as well."

The Oslo District Court in the Norwegian capital is scheduled to hold a hearing on October 9.