As excitement builds ahead of the new Premier League season, police have launched a major crackdown on counterfeit football merchandise – seizing over £5.1 million worth of fake football kits and arresting seven people.
A total of 67,573 counterfeit shirts and kits have been confiscated in nationwide operations since January, as part of a coordinated effort led by the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police, with support from the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), Border Force, Trading Standards, and industry partners.
Arrests Made, Illicit Trade Disrupted
PIPCU confirmed that five people were arrested on suspicion of selling fake football shirts, with an additional two arrests made by West Yorkshire Police.
Officials have warned the public about the broader consequences of buying counterfeit goods, noting that funds from counterfeit sales are often linked to money laundering, forced labour, and drug trafficking.
“These operations are about more than just fake shirts – this is about dismantling criminal enterprises profiting from unsafe, illegal activity,” a City of London Police spokesperson said.
Danger to Consumers
The seized shirts, though often priced as “bargains,” are frequently made in unsafe conditions and can pose serious health risks. Many are flammable, contain harmful chemicals, or fall short of basic safety standards.
Poor-quality stitching, incorrect branding, and generic swing tags are just some of the telltale signs. Buyers are also warned to watch for pen marks on care labels, which counterfeiters use to track stock.
How to Spot a Fake Football Shirt
- Price Check: If it seems too good to be true, it likely is.
- Stitching & Fabric: Low-quality materials and loose stitching, especially near the neckline and club badge, are red flags.
- Branding Mismatch: A shirt showing Nike branding with Adidas tags is a sure sign it’s fake.
- Swing Tags: Authentic shirts have unique barcode stickers.
- Pen Marks: Counterfeiters often write numbers on care labels.
- Buy Smart: Use trusted sellers. Fake websites can steal your card details.
- Verification Tools: Use apps like Kit Legit to confirm authenticity.
Report It
Suspected counterfeit goods should be reported to Citizens Advice via citizensadvice.org.uk or by calling 0800 144 8848.
You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
