The offending merchandise with "Ollie K" and "Michael B" stamped on them were taken off the market after the players concerned - keeper Oliver Kahn and captain Michael Ballack - said they were considering taking the company to court.

"It's a clear breach of the personal rights of Oliver Kahn," said the Bayern Munich star's agent Peter Ruppert.

The sex shop, Beate Uhse, denied any connection between the items and the players.

"We never had any intention to make a connection between the vibrators on sale in our shops with the names of "Olli K." and "Michael B." and the footballers," company spokesperson Assia Tsernookoff insisted.