A friend used to be an Olympic runner, and somebody has used his photograph to advertise a new race without his permission. What’s his legal position?
He should contact the Advertising Standards Authority immediately to have the adverts withdrawn. The organisers of the competition are guilty of misrepresentation in suggesting that your friend is involved with the competition. His reputation is a commodity, and he has a case against the organisers for compensation under the laws which protect the individual’s “moral rights” and intellectual property. The value of such compensation will depend on who is organising the competition, but the least your friend can expect is for the adverts to be withdrawn and for a published apology.