Erling Haaland Sues Norwegian Air Shuttle Over Edited Social Media Post
Manchester City forward Erling Haaland has filed a lawsuit against Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA due to a social media post that included a digitally altered image of a Norwegian plane resembling his previous hairstyle. The post, which read "We've never looked more Norwegian," was taken down during the 2026 World Cup. Haaland, alongside York Promotions Ltd, claims that his likeness was used unlawfully to advertise flight tickets. Attorney Thomas Hagen noted that the case raises issues of marketing law concerning Haaland's unique identifiers. Norwegian Air Shuttle expressed astonishment at the legal action, asserting the campaign was an impromptu show of support for the national team. The case is set to be heard in Oslo District Court on October 9. Norway reached the quarterfinals, where they were defeated 2-1 by England.
Key facts
- Erling Haaland is suing Norwegian Air Shuttle over a social media post featuring an edited image of an aircraft with blonde hair in a ponytail.
- The post was captioned "We've never looked more Norwegian" and was removed from the airline's social media accounts.
- Haaland and York Promotions Ltd filed the lawsuit through Norwegian law firm Schjodt.
- The lawsuit alleges unlawful use of Haaland's distinctive signs to promote flight tickets during the 2026 World Cup.
- Norwegian Air Shuttle says it has received a writ but expressed surprise at the lawsuit.
- The airline's spokeswoman Catharina Solli stated the campaign was a spontaneous expression of support for the Norwegian national team.
- Norway reached the quarterfinals at the 2026 World Cup, its first appearance since 1998, and lost 2-1 to England.
- The dispute is scheduled to come before Oslo District Court, with a hearing set for October 9.
Entities
Artists
- Erling Haaland
- Thomas Hagen
- Catharina Solli
Institutions
- Manchester City
- Norwegian Air Shuttle
- York Promotions Ltd
- Schjodt
- AFP
- Oslo District Court
- English Premier League
Locations
- Norway
- Oslo
- England