World Cup mascot does not arrive

Sales of the World Cup mascot "Goleo" have fallen so short of expectations that the German toy manufacturer Nici is having to consider filing for insolvency. One of the reasons for the financial difficulties of the company with 400 employees is the production of the "Goleo" mascot under license. The license costs for the exclusive rights did not play as much of a role as the lack of success of "Goleo". With the planned insolvency, the management hopes to be able to react quickly and flexibly to the difficult situation. It is not yet clear what impact the insolvency will have on the production of the mascot three weeks before the World Cup kicks off. Meanwhile, Nici has reduced prices in its own store by up to 30 percent.