World-class striker Erling Haaland and an unnamed electrician from Poland will probably never meet in a European football arena. To this end, they have been dueling for years in a legal dispute that continues before the EU court in Luxembourg.
The reason is a bizarre dispute over the rights to the name âHaaland,â which the electrician had registered with the European Union in 2023 as a trademark for sportswear, soccer shoes and energy drinks.
Just a few days after registering the electrician, Haaland â Manchester City striker and multimillionaire â followed suit in Norway and had the trademark registration extended to the EU. Because the electrician protested, Haaland learned that the trademark had already been registered - and in what context. The striker has already completely prevailed in two cases.
But his opponent is not giving up and filed a lawsuit with the EU court this summer, as the Norwegian newspaper âVGâ reports. Haaland's lawyers accuse the man of malicious intent to enrich himself with the goalscorer's famous name. Haaland played for Borussia Dortmund before moving to Manchester City and is worth 220 million euros, according to the specialist portal transfermarkt.de.
On Sunday he and his team, currently leaders in the Premier League, have to play against sixth-placed Liverpool FC. Haaland's club is itself in legal trouble. A financial scandal is currently shaking Manchester City to its foundations. Haaland has therefore called for unity. "We have to stick together and show each other love. So yes: stick together, enjoy the journey and smile," said the Norwegian international.
âWe have to be there for each other and stay positive,â says Haaland
The ten-time English champion was found guilty of all 115 charges by an independent commission for breaching the Premier League's financial rules. Manchester City face severe penalties, including the stripping of several championship titles or forced relegation. The club has lodged an appeal against the ruling. âThe club rejects the allegations made by the Premier League,â it said in a recent statement.
An independent Premier League commission found that between 2009 and 2018 around 900 million pounds - around one billion euros - had flowed into the club contrary to the rules. In contrast to the competition on the transfer market, the club was able to use this money and put together one of the best teams of that decade. The club's continued success with numerous English championships and winning the 2023 Champions League was also built on this time.
"We have to stick together, we have to be there for each other and stay positive. No matter what happens in life: we always have to have a smile on our faces. So we have to stay positive, look forward, try to win football games and then try to enjoy the situation and the game," said Haaland.
Because of Manchester City's timely appeal, it may take a long time before a final decision on sentence or acquittal is made.
