The U.S. Soccer Federation sued Sports Authority Inc. over its advertisements linked to the World Cup, contending Dick's Sporting Goods is the national team's only licensed retailer.
The sport's governing body in the U.S. claimed that Sports Authority's ads televised during the national team's June 12 match against England showed team member Taylor Twellman and former National Football League player Michael Strahan wearing its trademarked uniforms and crest.
“U.S. Soccer only permits one sporting goods retailer to use its marks on an exclusive basis,” the U.S. Soccer Federation said in a complaint filed against Sports Authority in federal court in Chicago, according to Bloomberg News. Dick's SG is that sole licensed retailer, it said.
The federation said it sent letter June 11 telling Sports Authority to “cease and desist” its ads featuring the U.S. team's uniform and logo. The ad aired the following day and is expected to appear again during tomorrow's match, according to the complaint. Neither TSA nor Twellman had the organization's permission to appear in the ads, displaying U.S. national team garb and emblems, it said.
U.S. Soccer, which is based in Chicago, is seeking a court order barring the retailer from using its marks, together with compensatory and punitive damages.
“Sports Authority is committed to creating awareness and excitement around soccer for families everywhere as one of the world's most popular sports,” David Campisi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sports Authority, said in an e-mailed statement to Bloomberg. “Today, we were caught by surprise and hope to resolve this matter expeditiously and cooperatively with the United States Soccer Federation and are engaged in active dialogue with them to do so.”
