Global authentication body urges World Cup anti-counterfeiting review
26/05/2010
Official suppliers to the FIFA 2010 World Cup are being urged to review their anti-counterfeiting plans by the International Authentication Association (IAA) following news reports that fake sports gear is swamping the streets of host country South Africa.
Despite efforts to clampdown on counterfeit goods coming mainly from China and other Asian countries, fake jerseys and other merchandise for national teams will be, says the IAA, costing bon afide suppliers millions of dollars in lost revenue.
Recently, customs authorities have confiscated over $13 million worth of counterfeit football clothing while last month South African police seized more than $2 million worth of South Africa shirts.
And despite prosecutions illegal traders are not being deterred when they can get $33 for a counterfeit Brazil or England football shirt on the streets of Johannesburg which may cost only a few cents to produce.
IAA chairman Jim Rittenburg said that many top sports brands are being hit hard by counterfeit products or cheap imitations.
“Football fans need be careful what they are buying and need to check the quality of garments and details like logos before handing over cash,” he said.
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