Police in the United Kingdom have seized more than 4,400 counterfeit football shirts in what authorities describe as the largest operation so far in a new pre-World Cup enforcement drive.
The early morning raid was carried out on Saturday at a major outdoor market in the Midlands, following a period of surveillance on a stall suspected of distributing fake merchandise.
Officers recovered a large quantity of cut-price replica shirts, including those of top national teams such as Argentina national football team, France national football team, Portugal national football team and England national football team.
One man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of distributing counterfeit goods and taken into custody. He has since been released on bail while investigations continue.
Police say they plan to question additional individuals believed to be connected to the operation as part of wider efforts to clamp down on counterfeit merchandise ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Authorities have warned consumers to remain cautious when purchasing discounted sports apparel, noting that counterfeit goods often fail to meet quality and safety standards.
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