WC 2010: Fake jerseys flood South Africa

  1. Posted on Tuesday 11 May 2010 - 11:05
    Gbentil
    Image of Gbentil
    Glorea Bentil, AfricaNews reporter in Accra, Ghana Photo: Bas Vlugt
    Fake jerseys and other football paraphernalia such as FIFA-branded memorabilia - hats, T-shirts and the green-haired official mascot Zakumi - have flooded the South African black market. The police have launched a massive clampdown but the situation seems unabated.
    South Africa celebrates rugby world cup, photo: Elles van Gelder
    About 100 cases have been brought before South Africa court since January with regards to fake sports wear ahead of the World Cup.

    Knock-off jerseys for the national team Bafana Bafana, England, Brazil and Spain are sold freely on the streets, as vendors openly tout for customers while dodging police, according to the AFP.

    "There has been a marked surge in fake football merchandise. Most of the items seized are manufactured in Asia," said Mohamed Khader from Spoor and Fisher, a law firm representing FIFA.

    Since the beginning of the year, customs authorities have confiscated over US$13,248,604 (R100m) worth of counterfeit football apparel coming mainly from China and other Asian countries.

    Fake jerseys for England or Brazil go for US$33 (R250) on the streets, while the authentic shirts sell for US$80 (R600).

    Street-savvy vendors evade police raids by peddling their wares at busy intersections, enticing passing drivers and pedestrians.

    "I won't tell you where I got my stock from but I can tell you that there is a big demand for all jerseys right now," said a vendor in Alexandra township, north of Johannesburg.

    "Selling the jerseys has put money in my pocket. I know of people who have been arrested for doing this job but it is worth taking a chance," said the man, who did not want to give his name.

    Khader said Adidas, which is kitting out many of the teams, was hit the hardest by cheap imitations.

    "In some case these fake products are passed on as the real thing. Consumers must be very careful about what they are buying. Big brands like Adidas are not spared," said Khader.

    He warned consumers to look out for finer details of the product, like the quality of the fabric and logos before buying.

    According to the Counterfeit Goods Act, conviction for fake goods trade is punishable by a three-year jail term or a US$663 (R5 000) fine per item found in possession.

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