Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is suing a Chinese toy-maker for producing a Nazi doll called 'Bastian'.
The toys, which are due for European release this week, depict a Wehrmacht soldier, complete with Nazi insignia on the soldier's hat.
The 31-year-old is understood to have contacted his lawyers regarding the dolls, which bear an undeniable likeness to the German international.
Schweinsteiger - the first part of whose name translates into English as "pig" or "swine" - was part of the Germany side which won the 2014 World Cup and is now captain of the national side.
Bastian Schweinsteiger to sue toy company over Nazi doll called 'Bastian'
Toy soldier complete with swastika-emblazoned uniform bares incredible likeness to the German midfielder
Manufacturers have called any likeness 'purely coincidental'
By Callum Davis
22 Oct 2015
The Telegraph
Bastian Schweinsteiger is suing a Chinese toy-maker for producing a Nazi doll called 'Bastian'.
The toys, which are due for European release this week, depict a Wehrmacht soldier, complete with Nazi insignia on the soldier's hat.
The Manchester United midfielder is understood to have contacted his lawyers regarding the dolls, which bear an undeniable likeness to the German international.
A poster promoting the release of the new 'Bastian' range of toy soldiers
The manufacturers responsible for producing the dolls have defended the dolls, calling any perceived likeness 'purely coincidental'.
German newspaper Bild have condemned the toy, with a headline covering the story reading: "Our football hero Bastian Schweinsteiger as a Nazi soldier!"
Bild contacted a representative of the company behind the Bastian range of toys, who dismissed the suggestion the model was based on the Germany captain.
The doll is advertised in a variety of military contexts
"We offer no figures based on the football. The resemblance is purely coincidental," insisted company spokesman Patrick Chan.
"The figure is based on a typical German. We believe most Germans look like this. Bastian is a common name in Germany," he added.
Bastian Schweinsteiger's representatives have so far declined to comment on any action they plan to take, but sources from within Bild insist Schweinsteiger has begun legal proceedings.
Schweinsteiger is the current captain of the German national side
Media lawyer Ulrich Amelung told Bild whether Schweinsteiger had any grounds to sue the toy company over the range of dolls.
"This is a clear violation of the rights of Schweinsteiger.
"The portrayal of him wearing a swastika uniform is a clear case of defamation and insult."
Bastian Schweinsteiger to sue toy company over Nazi doll called 'Bastian' - Telegraph
The toys, which are due for European release this week, depict a Wehrmacht soldier, complete with Nazi insignia on the soldier's hat.
The 31-year-old is understood to have contacted his lawyers regarding the dolls, which bear an undeniable likeness to the German international.
Schweinsteiger - the first part of whose name translates into English as "pig" or "swine" - was part of the Germany side which won the 2014 World Cup and is now captain of the national side.
Bastian Schweinsteiger to sue toy company over Nazi doll called 'Bastian'
Toy soldier complete with swastika-emblazoned uniform bares incredible likeness to the German midfielder
Manufacturers have called any likeness 'purely coincidental'
By Callum Davis
22 Oct 2015
The Telegraph
Bastian Schweinsteiger is suing a Chinese toy-maker for producing a Nazi doll called 'Bastian'.
The toys, which are due for European release this week, depict a Wehrmacht soldier, complete with Nazi insignia on the soldier's hat.
The Manchester United midfielder is understood to have contacted his lawyers regarding the dolls, which bear an undeniable likeness to the German international.
A poster promoting the release of the new 'Bastian' range of toy soldiers
The manufacturers responsible for producing the dolls have defended the dolls, calling any perceived likeness 'purely coincidental'.
Bild contacted a representative of the company behind the Bastian range of toys, who dismissed the suggestion the model was based on the Germany captain.
The doll is advertised in a variety of military contexts
"We offer no figures based on the football. The resemblance is purely coincidental," insisted company spokesman Patrick Chan.
"The figure is based on a typical German. We believe most Germans look like this. Bastian is a common name in Germany," he added.
Bastian Schweinsteiger's representatives have so far declined to comment on any action they plan to take, but sources from within Bild insist Schweinsteiger has begun legal proceedings.
Schweinsteiger is the current captain of the German national side
Media lawyer Ulrich Amelung told Bild whether Schweinsteiger had any grounds to sue the toy company over the range of dolls.
"This is a clear violation of the rights of Schweinsteiger.
"The portrayal of him wearing a swastika uniform is a clear case of defamation and insult."
Bastian Schweinsteiger to sue toy company over Nazi doll called 'Bastian' - Telegraph
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