Bastian Schweinsteiger takes legal action over Nazi doll

The Action Man-style doll has been marketed by DiD Corp in Hong Kong, which show it accessorised and dressed for winter fighting missions, carrying a backpack and other items.

In one image he wears the medal ribbon given to soldiers who took part in the first winter offensive in Russia in 1941.

But Schweinsteiger's management team confirmed it has taken legal action and are doing "everything in our power" to prevent their sale of the dolls.

Media lawyer Ulrich Amelung said it was a clear violation of the rights of Schweinsteiger and the portrayal of him wearing a swastika uniform was a "clear case of defamation and insult".

DiD representative Patrick Chan in Hong Kong said "We offer no figures based on the footballer. The resemblance is purely coincidental.

"The figure is based on a typical German. We believe most Germans look like this.

"Bastian is a common name in Germany.

"The figure is a member of a Wehrmacht supply unit."

DiD was established in 2003 and in addition to producing its own figurines it also claims to manufacture products for other companies, including Hasbro and Bandai.

(dailystar.co.uk)