Counterfeit football kits: What’s the real cost?
When viewed side by side, there is no obvious difference between these two Manchester United jerseys; but the original costs £85 and the other costs just £15.
Fake football jerseys are not a new problem, but some experts have raised concerns that the substandard materials used in their production could be harmful.
“We don’t know what’s in these kits; they could pose a health risk,” says Louise Baxter-Scott of Trading Standards.
“They are poorly made but look legitimate and the pressures of Christmas plus the rise in the cost of living are creating greater consumer vulnerability and pushing people to a cheaper alternative.”
Chloe Long, deputy chief executive of the Anti-Counterfeiting Group, warns that counterfeit kits can even cause those wearing them to blush.
“Wearing this strip can cause irritation,” he says. “It can lead to even more serious problems, especially if harmful toxins or dyes are used in the production of these products.”
Long helped trace the supply chain of counterfeit products, which mostly originated from factories in China.
Asked if there are any signs of toxins in the counterfeit strips, he says: “It’s very difficult to know retrospectively what was put into the product, but in some cases you can see that they can be harmful.
“And they don’t comply with any regulations. They’re not bound by the same legalities and regulations as the original manufacturers.”
Long says counterfeiters have no moral values or standards and the only thing that motivates them is price.
“They will do whatever they can to make this look as close to reality as possible,” he says.
“So you don’t know what might happen when you put it in the washing machine with other products, and that’s not a risk you should take, especially if you’re buying it for kids.”
