Lawsuit... Over Haaland's Hairstyle

Norwegian striker Erling Haaland has filed a lawsuit against an airline for the unauthorized use of his image, a move that both parties described as incomprehensible and “regrettable,” according to statements released today.

Thomas Haagen, lawyer for the English Manchester City star, told AFP in an email that “the case concerns Norwegian Air’s unauthorized use of Haaland’s distinctive features to promote flight tickets during the World Cup.”

Under Haaland’s leadership as the team’s top scorer, Norway reached the quarter-finals of this summer’s World Cup in North America, a notable achievement in their first appearance since 1998, before losing 2-1 to England.

Details of the dispute remain unclear, but according to the newspaper Verdens Gang, which broke the story, the airline removed from its social media accounts a composite image showing one of its aircraft decorated with a horse’s tail, a reference to Haaland’s signature hairstyle, which he recently cut.

Company spokesperson Katariina Suli told AFP: “Like almost all Norwegians, we supported the national team this summer through some spontaneous posts inspired by trending social media memes.”

She added: “It is regrettable that this support was met with a lawsuit, but we hope for a rational dialogue so that we can continue to support our athletes, whom we all take pride in, in the future.”

According to the newspaper, a hearing is scheduled at the Oslo District Court on October 9.