ERLING HAALAND SUES NORWEGIAN AIR OVER WORLD CUP ADVERTISEMENT

 

OSLO: Norwegian football star Erling Haaland has taken legal action against Norwegian Air Shuttle, alleging that the airline used elements of his distinctive appearance without permission in a promotional post during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The dispute centres on a social media advertisement published while Norway was competing at the tournament, marking the country’s first World Cup appearance since 1998.

According to Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang (VG), Norwegian Air posted a composite image featuring one of its aircraft with a ponytail resembling Haaland’s trademark hairstyle. The post carried the caption, “We’ve never looked more Norwegian”, in a reference to the national team’s World Cup campaign.

Haaland’s lawyer, Thomas Hagen, told AFP that the case concerned what he described as Norwegian’s “unlawful use of Haaland’s distinctive signs” in promoting plane tickets during the World Cup.

Norwegian Air confirmed that it had received the lawsuit but disputed the basis for the legal action.

“Like almost all of Norway, we supported the national team this summer, through a few spontaneous posts inspired by trends on social media,” Norwegian Air spokesperson Catharina Solli told AFP.

She said the airline regretted that its support for the national team had resulted in legal action and expressed hope that the two sides could resolve the matter through dialogue.

The airline subsequently removed the social media post.

The lawsuit comes as Haaland has become one of the most recognisable figures in Norwegian sport, with his image and distinctive appearance closely associated with the national team.

A meeting between the judge and the legal teams is scheduled for 9 October at Oslo District Court, according to VG. The hearing is expected to provide the next step in the dispute over whether the advertisement crossed the line between supporting the national team and commercially using an individual’s recognisable identity.

- indiantelevision.com Team

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MAX VERSTAPPEN’S INSANE KARTING CHALLENGE

Today’s the day: Max Verstappen gets back in a kart and faces 100 opponents. All you need to know about the four-time F1 champion’s unique challenge is here!

ARTICLE
© Red Bull Content Pool

Max Verstappen is set to take on 100 rivals in a specially staged kart race dubbed 'Max vs. 100'.

The four-time F1 champion faces a unique twist: he will start at the back of the field and must fight his way through the entire grid to win.

The event has already attracted significant attention, but what exactly does the challenge involve, when does it start, who is Verstappen up against, and where can fans watch it?

What is Max vs. 100?

Max vs. 100 will be held at Silverstone, the home of the British Grand Prix. The race will not take place on the full Grand Prix circuit, which would be far too long for the format, but on a specially designed layout.

That karting layout was created by David Terrien, who will also act as race director on the day.

The circuit has been designed to maximise overtaking opportunities, which makes sense given Verstappen has to pass 100 opponents inside 30 laps. That works out to an average of more than three passes per lap for the Red Bull driver.

Starting positions are set by a qualifying session, with the 100 challengers split into five groups of 20, each getting a single flying lap to post the fastest possible time. The quickest of the 100 will start on pole, while the slowest will line up directly ahead of Verstappen.

Once a rival has been passed, they are immediately eliminated from the race. A driver is only classified as overtaken once Verstappen's kart has fully passed theirs.

Any additional rules?

Weight is factored in, up to a point. Every driver must weigh at least 85 kilograms, with any shortfall made up using ballast on the kart.

Karts are highly sensitive to weight, so organisers want to prevent anyone gaining an unfair advantage. Drivers who weigh more than 85 kilograms receive no compensation the other way.

Another twist designed to spice up the action is a 'fast lap' available to everyone involved. Verstappen's 100 opponents can each use theirs once during the first half of the race, while Verstappen himself gets one fast lap in the second half.

The fast lap allows a driver to cut a section of track once, saving valuable time.

It has also been confirmed that Verstappen will be able to communicate with all 100 rivals during the race. That should make for entertaining viewing, with fans at home able to listen in on the exchanges between the Dutchman and the rest of the field, promising more than a few amusing moments.

© Red Bull Content Pool

Who are the opponents?

Verstappen's 100 opponents form a mixed bag of international content creators, influencers, Red Bull athletes, television personalities and F1 journalists.

Red Bull appears to have deliberately picked participants from all over the globe, from the United States to Australia and from South Africa to Norway.

The names most likely to give Verstappen genuine trouble on track include GoKartGod, an American content creator who specialises in karting; Si Hyun Park, a Korean professional drift racer; David Egan, founder and driver of Drift Games, and Wirtual, the Norwegian YouTuber known for the racing game Trackmania.

There are also several Red Bull athletes from other motorsport disciplines involved, including Billy Bolt and Pol Tarrés from enduro and Sarah Lezito from motorcycle stunt riding.

There is also speculation that Red Bull Racing sim driver Sebastian Job could take part, though that has not yet been officially confirmed.

Where can you watch it, and when?

The biggest question for anyone planning to tune in is exactly when and where to watch.

The entire event is being streamed live on Disney+. Coverage begins at 5 pm BST, with the race itself getting underway at 6 pm, and is expected to last around an hour.

- Ian Parkes

BODØ/GLIMT MAKE NORWEGIAN UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HISTORY

Bodø/Glimt have officially become the second Norwegian team in HISTORY to reach the Champions League Round of 16 or beyond 🤯🇳🇴

🔥 They've had to beat some of the competition's giants, taking the W from Man City and Atlético Madrid, whilst drawing with Borussia Dortmund 🙇‍♂️

😮‍💨 Now, they've gone one step further and KNOCKED OUT the 2024/25 finalists Inter Milan over two legs.

What a story 🥹

- Onefootball

GIANT-KILLERS BODØ/GLIMT STUN INTER MILAN ONCE AGAIN, KNOCK THEM OUT OF THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Bodo/Glimt are on the march in the Champions League after dumping out European giants Inter Milan, the latest chapter in a remarkable rise for the tiny club from north of the Arctic Circle.

Bodo/Glimt players celebrate after their win over Inter Milan

Bodo/Glimt are on the march in the Champions League after dumping out European giants Inter Milan, the latest chapter in a remarkable rise for the tiny club from north of the Arctic Circle. Kjetil Knutsen's team reached the last 16 of the biggest club competition on the planet with two wins over last year's beaten finalists -- a 5-2 aggregate victory giving them the greatest result in their history. "I think it's an amazing evening for the club, for the players, for the town and also for Norwegian football," said Knutsen, who has been in charge of Bodo/Glimt since 2018.

"We are not talking about goals, we are talking about how to perform and how we can take steps and develop the players and the team. Now I think that's extremely important. 

"We have our way to do it and that's really important."

Tuesday's triumph was their fourth straight win in the Champions League, with Manchester City and Atletico Madrid also falling in the final two league phase matches, which allowed Bodo/Glimt to snatch a spot in the knockout play-offs.

Bodo/Glimt were only promoted to Norway's top tier, a competition which had been dominated for three decades by Rosenborg of Trondheim, in 2017 but have since been crowned national champions in four of the last six seasons.

And since then, they have slowly risen up the domestic and European ranks, last season becoming the first Norwegian team to play in the semi-finals of a major European competition with their run to the last four of the Europa League.

Before this season, their best result was beating Lazio on penalties in the quarter-finals of the Europa League before being eliminated by Tottenham Hotspur.

But now, the team of no stars with a tiny budget have moved to a whole new level with one of either City or Sporting of Portugal awaiting next month.

- Looking forward -

Bodo/Glimt had previously been considered tricky opposition due to their artificial pitch and the frequently frigid conditions at their 8,200-capacity Aspmyra Stadium.

But they have now added strong away performances to their armoury, with a solid defensive display on Tuesday allowing Jens Petter Hauge and Hakon Evjen to dish out two sucker punches.

"I always look forward, so that's how we're thinking. For me, history is not so important," added Knutsen.

It was a rude awakening for three-time winners Inter, whose stature and budget dwarf that of the Norwegians and who are heavy favourites to win Serie A this season.

A pasting at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain might have coloured their last European campaign but Inter got to that final by seeing off Bayern Munich and Barcelona in epic knockout ties.

Inter had much the better in the first half but once Hauge capitalised on Manuel Akanji inexplicably giving the ball away on the edge of his area, there was no way back for the Italians.

"We know that the Champions League is very competitive, if a team reaches this stage of the competition that means that they are offering something," said Inter coach Cristian Chivu.

"They showed that in Dortmund, Madrid, against City and twice against us."

Defeat to Bodo/Glimt was also symbolic after Norway swatted Italy aside twice in World Cup qualifying.

Italy face the prospect of no team reaching the last 16 with Juventus and Atalanta trailing Galatasaray and Borussia Dortmund, the latest blow to the reputation of a grand old footballing nation which has since fallen on hard times.

- Agence-France Presse

ANGE POSTECOGLOU SNAPS AT MAN UTD QUESTION AS TOTTENHAM REACH EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL

Ange Postecoglou was left fuming in his post-match press conference (Picture: Shutterstock)

Ange Postecoglou snapped at a question about Manchester United after Tottenham reached the Europa League final on Thursday night.

Postecoglou lost his cool after Spurs defeated Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt 2-0 in the second leg of their Europa League semi-final clash.

The result means the north London club will face Ruben Amorim’s United in the final – a side they have already beaten three times so far this season – with both teams massively struggling in the Premier League this term.

In his post-match press conference, a journalist asked the Australian head coach: ‘United have constantly said this competition won’t save their season… The manager has said it, the players have said it… Is it different for Tottenham? Would it save your season?’

Postecoglou replied: ‘I don’t care. Why should I care what Man United think? Wy is that relevant to me? Ask the United manager why he said that.

Me, I’ve said all along that this is important. You should know better than me what a trophy would do for this club. The question answers itself.

What’s happening right now is people are fearing that it actually might happenAnd they’re already trying to tear it down somehow or diminish it somehow by talking about the league form.

‘Maybe if we had United’s success, maybe I’d have a different view. I could be sitting here in fifth position and the commentary would be, “that’s great Ange but the club needs to win something” – that’s exactly what everyone would be saying.

‘Of course it’s massive, of course it is. United have got their own journey to go on and maybe if they go 15 years without winning anything they’ll change their perspective on things as well.’

Spurs currently sit 16th in the Premier League table with just three games left, while United are one spot above them in 15th.

Tottenham’s last major trophy came in 2008 when they defeated Chelsea in the final of the League Cup, currently known as the Carabao Cup.

Quizzed further about the upcoming Europa League final against United, Postecoglou added: ‘It’s going to upset a lot of people isn’t it!

‘The debate’s now raging, the latest one is that neither of us will be able to get a trophy if we win, they’re just going to take a team photo because we’re not worthy.

‘I mean, who cares if we’re struggling in the league? Why is that important? If it’s so easy to get to a final, then why doesn’t everyone who finishes in the top three do it? It’s a separate thing.

- Liam Grace

CASPER RUUD CAPTURES FIRST MASTERS 100O TITLE IN MADRID

The Norwegian star overcomes Jack Draper in straight sets to win the biggest title of his career. 

Casper Ruud achieved a significant milestone in his tennis career by winning the 2025 Madrid Open, marking his first ATP Masters 1000 title. In a closely contested final, Ruud overcame Britain’s Jack Draper with a scoreline of 7–5, 3–6, 6–4, showcasing resilience and a strong will to win on the clay courts of Madrid.

"This victory is particularly noteworthy as it ends Ruud’s streak of losses in major finals, including previous defeats in Miami 2022, Monte Carlo 2024, and three Grand Slam finals. The win not only adds a prestigious title to his resume but also propels him back into the ATP Top 10, now ranked World No. 7.

Jack Draper, despite the loss, has had a remarkable run in 2025. His performance in Madrid, including victories over top players, has elevated him to World No. 5, making him the fourth British man to reach the ATP Top 5. At 23 years and 121 days old, Draper also became the youngest British man in the Open Era to reach ATP finals on clay, grass, and hard courts.

To secure this win, Casper Ruud navigated a challenging draw. He commenced his campaign with a straight-sets victory over Alexander Shevchenko in the second round. In the third round, Ruud faced and defeated Sebastian Korda. The fourth round saw him overcome Taylor Fritz, followed by a quarterfinal win against Daniil Medvedev. In the semifinals, Ruud bested Francisco Cerundolo before clinching the title with a hard-fought victory over Jack Draper in the final.

 Inside the Baseline…

Ruud’s Madrid title feels like a long time coming and well-earned. Often overshadowed by flashier opponents, Casper Ruud has quietly built one of the most consistent clay-court resumes on tour. This win not only silences questions about his ability to win the big ones, but it firmly places him among the favorites for Roland Garros. His game may not scream highlight-reel, but it now screams champion.

 - Tennishead.net

UEFA DELETE SOCIAL MEDIA POST 'TROLLING' TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

UEFA have acted quickly after they unintentionally rubbed salt into the wounds of Tottenham Hotspur fans.

The official Europa League account on X posted a picture of Tottenham star James Maddison winking and giving a thumbs up to the camera.

The official Europa League account came under fire for this post of MaddisonCredit: @EuropaLeague - X

But it seemed those behind the account were unaware Maddison was set for a prolonged period on the sidelines after he sustained a knee injury in the first leg of Tottenham's Europa League semi-final tie against Bodo/Glimt.

Maddison bagged the second goal in Tottenham's 3-1 victory over the Norwegian outfit before he was taken off injured in the 65th minute.

Football broadcaster and host of talkSPORT's Trans Europe Express Danny Kelly took note of the initial post and wrote: "W****** @UEFA trolling Spurs!"

Kelly was not the only one who vented their frustrations on social media as other football fans felt the post was in poor taste.

One said: "Is this legit? Surely an organising body shouldn't be flaunting the disappointment of one of the participant team's injured players? @EuropaLeague needs to apologise."

Another posted: "No dog in this fight, but what a disgusting tweet. I don't particularly like James Maddison, but seriously, the lad is out for the season and this is what come from an official @UEFA account? Disgusting."

However, someone at UEFA evidently realised the error of their ways as the post was eventually taken down.

Although Tottenham are yet to confirm the severity of Maddison's injury, talkSPORT understands the midfielder is not expected to play again this season.

Maddison and Dominic Solanke were left out of the Tottenham side that drew 1-1 with West Ham on Sunday and manager Ange Postecoglou divulged the former was 'more of a concern'.

"We're pretty hopeful with Dom that it will be OK, he's improving every day but it made no sense to bring him on today," Postecoglou said post-match.

Star midfielder Maddison went down in the second half against Bodo/GlimtCredit: Gett

"Maddison's a bit more of a concern until we get some more information but he's the one that's more of a concern."

The 28-year-old has been a constant presence in Postecoglou's side this season having made 45 appearances across all competitions.

He also boasts 22 attacking contributions throughout the campaign having registered 12 goals and ten assists.

Maddison's tally of 22 contributions makes him Tottenham's equal-most productive player alongside Dominic Solanke and skipper Heung-min Son.

But he won't get a chance to add to that figure due to the knee injury.

The grim news of Maddison's injury comes as Postecoglou's side stand 90 minutes away from a berth in the Europa League final.

Postecoglou is two games away from ending Spurs' 16-year trophy droughtCredit: Getty

Tottenham travel to Norway on Thursday for the second leg of their semi-final with a two-goal lead.

Progression to the Europa League final would mark the third final Tottenham have made since the 2018/19 campaign.

The north London side reached the final of the Champions League that season but fell short at the last hurdle against Liverpool.

Tottenham then made the final of the Carabao Cup in 2021, only to lose to Manchester City.

But should all go to plan on Thursday evening, Tottenham will have another chance to win their first piece of silverware since 2008.

- Alex Conrad

ALEXANDER ISAK MEGA DEAL THAT CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING AT NEWCASTLE UNITED AND CHELSEA REGRET

Newcastle United could do a lot worse than getting Alexander Isak to put pen to paper on a new deal

Newcastle United chiefs will not have failed to notice Erling Haaland's Manchester City mega deal as they made their way into work on Friday morning.

The fact that the Norwegian international is now tied down to a nine-and-a-half-year deal not only gives City a major lift as their title hopes fade, but also changes the potential landscape of the Premier League. City will be back next season that's a cert.

But Haaland's hopes of becoming the Premier League's greatest ever scorer appears to be there for all to see. One boffin worked out that Haaland would only need 18 goals a season to get past Alan Shearer's record of 260.

His commitment sends a big message out in the football world with Man City's status unaffected by a bad run this season but also the Premier League's title as the best league in the world still seemingly intact. Where once Serie A and La Liga were deemed the best leagues in Europe to ply your trade, the Prem has just earned another feather in its hat.

As the ink dries on Haaland's contract over at the Etihad Stadium, it will get minds-boggling at St James' Park on Isak. City can boast of being one of the best strikers in the world, but Newcastle could very easily argue the same thing with Isak.

Or at least they can say they have the most sought-after striker in the world at the moment in Isak. Day after day, Isak has been linked with Arsenal during the transfer window, but the truth is they probably can't afford him. Newcastle played down suggestions that they were in talks with Isak earlier in the season over a new deal. Back then they stated that Isak has a deal until 2028 and there was no rush to get a new deal thrashed out.

Handing Isak what would be a new improved deal though would help end any talk of a £150million January exit. Isak could rest assured that his future would be on Tyneside and what lies ahead of him could be genuinely special.

With 52 goals for Newcastle already, Isak smashed one record this week by scoring for the eighth successive game in a row in the Premier League, moving past Alan Shearer and Joe Willock in the process. After his two-goal blast against the Wolves, Isak is now within an incredible grasp of becoming Newcastle's second top all-time Premier League scorer.

As he sits on 46 goals in the Prem, he can move past Callum Wilson in second spot and attempt to get within 100 of Shearer. He needs 149 goals to better Shearer in the Premier League so has plenty of work to do and he's way off the 206 that took Big Al past Jackie Milburn back in 2006 before he bowed out.

But at 25, those are the type of feats in front of Isak. The former Borussia Dortmund striker, remarkably let go by the German giants earlier in his career, may also privately have an eye on the iconic number 9 shirt at St James' Park.

And even if he doesn't the commercial team will win because Newcastle could sell a bucket load of Isak 9 shirts as they look to improve their PSR game. Handing Isak a new deal would also show United is the place to be as they attempt to build an exciting team around the striker.

Chelsea dared to test Newcastle's resolve on Isak last June and failed. Given they are also rueful of letting Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento go for relative peanuts on the scale of the big financial picture, it feels like an exciting time to be a Newcastle fan again.

A team containing Isak, Hall, Livramento, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman and Sandro Tonali is exciting enough. Adding class and quality with Isak leading the line is more than enough to have the Toon Army dreaming of greatness.

Whether is ambitious statements, commercial wealth, club records, Shearer's records or the number 9 legacy, Isak can change it all on Tyneside.

- Lee Ryder, Chief Newcastle United Writer