South Africa has seized more than R46-million worth of fake World Cup merchandise, with much of the goods originating from China and other Asian countries, a newspaper said on Saturday.
Customs authorities have seized R46-million ($6,1-million) in fakes over the last six months, including about R20-million worth of copycat Bafana Bafana jerseys, the Saturday Star reported.
“Most of the merchandise has been seized at Durban harbour and OR Tambo International Airport” in Johannesburg, Fifa lawyer Mohamed Khader told the paper.
“Several consignments and containers have been coming in from the East,” he added.
Cashing in on the Bafana brand
South African Football Association spokesperson Mario Sanyane said Adidas had been contracted to produce Bafana’s official jerseys.
“It’s unacceptable that people from around the world are taking advantage of the Bafana brand,” he said.
South Africa is encouraging the nation to wear jerseys every Friday to build enthusiasm for the World Cup, sending demand soaring. As the June 11 kick-off nears, vendors have filled the streets with jerseys, national flags and other football gear. – AFP