Houston Rockets star Yao Ming accused a soft drink company on May 15 of infringing on his image rights after the company painted his photo on its products.

On the latest packages of drink, Coca-Cola Co. (China) painted a three-man photo of Yao Ming, Menk Bateer and Guo Shiqiang wearing Chinese national team shirts.

"I have never permitted Coca-Cola to use my image to promote their products," Yao Ming said in a written statement which was faxed by his agent team - "Yao's Team" - to Xinhua Thursday afternoon.

"I require Coca-Cola to withdraw all the products bearing my image and all promotion materials which use my names or images immediately. I reserve the right to sue this company," Yao added.

Coca-Cola Co. (China) countered that they have a contract with the agent of the Chinese national men's basketball team - Chinese Sports Management Company, which approves Coca-Cola to use the image of the Chinese team.

Wang Jian, general manager of the Chinese Sports Management Company, told Xinhua that Coca-Cola has the right to use the "group image" of the Chinese team.

"Yao Ming isn't alone in the photo and he is with his national teammates Bateer and Guo," Wang said.

"They are all wearing national team shirts," he added.

Xia Song, who represents San Antonio reserve center Menk Bateer, said he hasn't seen the controversial Coca-Cola product and would "wait and see".

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2003)