Norway soccer star Erling Haaland has taken authorized motion towards Norwegian Air Shuttle, alleging that the airline used parts of his look with out permission in a World Cup commercial. The dispute centres on a social media submit launched in the course of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Norway made its first look on the event since 1998.
In response to Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang (VG), the airline shared a composite picture of one among its plane that includes a ponytail resembling Haaland’s distinctive coiffure. The submit carried the caption, “We’ve by no means appeared extra Norwegian,” referencing the nationwide workforce’s World Cup marketing campaign.
Haaland’s lawyer, Thomas Hagen, informed AFP, “The case issues Norwegian’s illegal use of Haaland’s distinctive indicators in its promotion of aircraft tickets in the course of the soccer World Cup.”
Norwegian Air confirmed that it had obtained the lawsuit however questioned the motion. Spokesperson Catharina Solli informed AFP, “Like virtually all of Norway, we supported the nationwide workforce this summer season, by means of a number of spontaneous posts impressed by traits on social media.”
She added, “It’s regrettable that this help has been met with authorized motion, however we hope to have an inexpensive dialogue in order that we are able to proceed, sooner or later as nicely, to help our widespread sport heroes.”
The airline later eliminated the submit. A gathering between the choose and the authorized groups is scheduled for October 9 at Oslo District Courtroom, based on VG.