Dozens of counterfeit football shirts were recently seized by Stoke-on-Trent City Council during a crackdown on Euro 2024 counterfeit merchandise. The raid, which took place in Longton, resulted in the confiscation of 178 shirts, along with branded kits, socks, shorts, and baby grows. These items were being promoted on social media and various websites.
According to trading standards, the seized merchandise has a street value exceeding £3,500 and a retail value of over £15,000. Among the counterfeit items were shirts from popular teams such as England, Scotland, Spain, Brazil, Manchester United, and Newcastle United. A brand protection agency has verified that all the items confiscated were indeed counterfeit.
The operation was conducted with the support of Staffordshire Police, and the owner of the business is currently under investigation. Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Deputy leader, Amjid Wazir, emphasized the negative impact of counterfeit trading on consumers and legitimate businesses. He stated that such illegal activities harm the city’s economy and undermine the hard work of honest businesses.
Wazir highlighted the council’s commitment to protecting consumers from fraudulent goods and maintaining the integrity of local commerce. He emphasized that the trading standards team will continue their efforts to keep counterfeit products out of the market, ensuring that only genuine products are available to consumers.
The crackdown on counterfeit football merchandise serves as a warning to those engaged in illegal trading activities. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is dedicated to safeguarding consumers from counterfeit goods, whether sold online or on social media platforms. By taking a proactive stance against counterfeiters, the council aims to protect buyers and support the growth of legitimate businesses in the city.
