BUENOS AIRES -- Argentine legend Diego Maradona has sued "The9 Limited", a Chinese online games company, for infringement of his portraiture rights.
"I do not accept the apology from The9 Limited, and I will continue to protect my legitimate interests through legal procedures," said Maradona in a statement released on Tuesday.
The9 Limited, an online game operator and developer in China, launched a new online game named "Winning Goal" last year and used the image of Maradona in the game.
According to Zhu Jun, board chairman of The9 Limited, Maradona had agreed to sign the contract of celebrity endorsement for the football-themed game.
However, Maradona claimed that he had never contacted or cooperated with the Chinese company and the using of his image in "Winning Goal" was an act of infringement.
The9 Limited sent an apology letter to the football legend, saying they were cheated by a Chinese football agent, Lu Weiping, who managed to make the company believe that Maradona had already signed in the endorsement contract.
According to Zhu, a total of $250,000 had been given to Lu as Maradona's reward for endorsement.
However, Maradona believed the apology letter was nothing but an excuse for shirking the responsibility. He reiterated he would not accept such apology which lacks sincerity and that he would urge his representative and lawyers in China to protect his lawful rights and interests in legal means.
"I believe that Chinese court will bring me justice," said Maradona, who also denied any possibility of future cooperation with The9 Limited.
