Bastian Schweinsteiger to take legal action over lookalike doll

“The portrayal of him wearing a swastika uniform is a clear case of defamation and insult.”

MANCHESTER United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger may take legal action against a Hong Kong company making Nazi dolls that bear a striking resemblance to the German international.

The company, named Dragon in Dream, released a set of figurines including a “World War II German Army Supply Duty Bastian”, that along with the same name, bears a similar look to the German World Cup winner.

The 30-centimetre doll, dressed in a cap with the Swastika symbol, has caused an outcry in Germany, with Schweinsteiger’s legal team set to sue the manufacturers.

German media lawyer Ulrich Amelung told Bild that the doll is a violation of the player’s rights, and that Schweinsteiger has every right to sue.

“This is a clear violation of the rights of Schweinsteiger,” he said.

“The portrayal of him wearing a swastika uniform is a clear case of defamation and insult.”

A spokesman for the company insists the doll was merely a coincidence, and was not meant to resemble the former Bayern Munich star.

“We don’t sell any figures which resemble footballers. It is a complete coincidence that the figure ‘Bastian’ looks like Schweinsteiger,” he said.

“We thought that all Germans look like that. Bastian is also a very common name in Germany.”

The dolls are selling for a reported $120 (R1600).-Kick-off.com