Counterfeit football shirts

The widespread availability of counterfeit football shirts is in large part due to the soaring popularity of the Premier League in the Far East. Not only are the corrupt Far East betting rings having an influence on English football but also the large scale export of fake shirts to our shores. Of course fake shirts have always been a part and parcel of UK football, which is no doubt due to the high price clubs and manufacturers charge for their shirts.

The quality of fake shirts in the Far East has improved, and due to the national gdp the majority of shirts sold in countries like Thailand are fake. The BBC has recently reported on the counterfeiters in Bangkok, and the organised gangs which are bringing the merchandise into the UK. With the fakes retailing for £3 in Bangkok the supply is almost limitless and the crackdown by Thail authorities never seems to dent the industry.

Whilst some fake shirts are easy to spot, with design flaws in the cut and badge, the sure sign giveaway is the shoddy cloth used and of course the price. It's unlikely the existence of fake shirts will ever go away whilst the price of the official versions is so high. In Thailand, for example, the official shirt can cost a month's wages. For the die hard fan, however, it's worth considering that the high price paid for their shirt will benefit their club. The manufacturers will continue to pay more and more for the rights to make the shirt if the fans continue to buy them.

The counterfeit shirt on the other hand only harms your club due to the lack of revenue. And the gangs responsible are usually involved in drug smuggling and prostitution. Due to the shoddy materials used the lifespan of the counterfeits is questionable. Many people find that after a few washes they shrink.

If you're worried about buying a fake football shirt you should carefully examine the quality of the materials used, and particularly the printing and embroidery of the club logo. Also check the labels which the shirt comes with, many genuine shirts have a hologram, which is harder to countefeit.