BagOfCrisps 24 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Shown to be as rubbish as it obviously is to most people: The company producing the mascot for this year's World Cup has declared itself bankrupt after the toy failed to score with consumers. Nici paid 28 million euros ($36m; £19m) for the sole rights to "Goleo", a football-kit-wearing lion. According to reports, the firm has blamed weak demand for its problems. The Bavarian toymaker confirmed it had applied to the German courts for insolvency protection, but declined to give any further information. According to Coburg district court, Nici cited inability to make payments as its reason for filing for insolvency. The group's problems come just six weeks before the football tournament kicks off in Germany. Own goal? Nici had expected the stuffed toy mascot - designed by the firm behind the Muppets, Jim Henson's Company - to have been a sure fire hit with consumers. However, it seems to have scored an own goal by choosing a mascot that has little connection to Germany, whose national symbol is an eagle. In fact, three lions are the symbol of Germany's greatest footballing rival, England. Reports also suggest that consumers are puzzled by the lion's state of undress - although it wears a number 6 shirt, Goleo does not sport a pair of shorts. Nici, which has annual sales of about 130m euros, has not said how many of the lions it has sold. Goleo retails at 19.95 euros. The football tournament is widely viewed as a money-spinner for most groups who attach their name to the event. Adidas has already credited demand for football products ahead of the contest for a surge in demand and profits. The sporting goods group, which makes replica kits for teams including France, Argentina and host nation Germany, said profits rose 37% to 144m euros in the first three months of 2006. Link to post Share on other sites
scouser 4 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 It is rubbish. You'd think someone would have told them. Are they going to use the balls with the faces in the cup games I wonder? Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 they should be thrown behind bars for creating that crap Link to post Share on other sites
big-will 7 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 What's with the John Travolta / "Bottom" end credits pose? Link to post Share on other sites
yoroshiku onegai shimasu 2 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Thats just weird. Why no short? Link to post Share on other sites
ShinyDiscoBall 2 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 What a ridiculous mascot. All mascots that I can remember have been silly, but this one really is poor. Link to post Share on other sites
bobby12 0 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 I dont believe that is real. Someone just made it up for a joke right? Its just a teddy bear with a lions head on it and his trousers stolen. There isnt even any symbolism there. Link to post Share on other sites
bobby12 0 Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 They should make a last minute swap for the 'snakes on a plane'. Now that would be a cool mascot. Link to post Share on other sites
TheOrange 0 Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 Nope that's the real one. Terrible isn't it! Link to post Share on other sites
Davo 1 Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 Some mascots of the previous World Cups. Quote: The World Cup mascot is mostly targeted at children with cartoon shows and other merchandise released to coincide with the competition I think the latest mascot would scare a lot of kids Link to post Share on other sites
ShinyDiscoBall 2 Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 Where's that ball looking, that's what I want to know.... Link to post Share on other sites
big-will 7 Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Poor Goleo. He looks well meaning and all. Looks totally crap as well, no wonder it isn't selling. Ato, Kaz and Nik were pretty awful as well hey Link to post Share on other sites
rach 1 Posted May 23, 2006 Share Posted May 23, 2006 I think that lion is quite funny actually. Looking back at the past mascots.... has there ever been a good one?! Link to post Share on other sites
IIIII 2 Posted May 23, 2006 Share Posted May 23, 2006 I don't think it's supposed to actually be funny, rach Link to post Share on other sites
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