Police seize £18m in counterfeit football kits during World Cup

BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 21, 2026, 5:12 AM

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

Police seize £18m in counterfeit football kits during World Cup

Summary

Police in the UK seized counterfeit football shirts valued at over £18 million during the World Cup. The operation was prompted by safety concerns raised by the Fire Service, which warned that the fake kits could pose dangers to wearers. Authorities are continuing to address the distribution of these counterfeit products. The seizure underscores the ongoing battle against counterfeit goods in the sports industry.

Source Links

BBC Sport

Key Details

•Counterfeit kits valued over £18 million were confiscated.
•Seizures coincided with the ongoing World Cup.
•The Fire Service warned of safety risks associated with the fake kits.
•Authorities are actively combating counterfeit merchandise.

Latest Updates

5:12 AMBBC Sport — Fake kits worth £18m seized by police during World Cup

What they're saying

"
Counterfeit football shirts worth over £18m were seized in the UK during the course of the World Cup because of safety concerns, with the Fire Service warning the outfits can be a danger to those who wear them.
— BBC Sport

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer