A series of targeted operations across the country resulted in a total of 67,573 dupes being seized since January 2025.
If genuine, the seized merch would have been worth a massive £5.1 million, according to City of London Police.
The pre-season crackdown is part of a collaboration between the force’s Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), Border Force, Trading Standards and industry partners.
🚨Buying tickets for the 2025 #PremierLeague season?
⚠️Fraudsters use social media to advertise fake tickets. They will usually request payment via bank transfer or cryptocurrency.
✅ Only buy tickets directly from the clubs or their official partners.
For more information… pic.twitter.com/Cr5AOwBpzf
— Action Fraud (@actionfrauduk) August 11, 2025
City of London Police also warned customers to avoid counterfeit products as they are “poorer quality” and may fund other illegal activities.
On how to spot phoney merch, they say to check the price, quality, details, swing tags, and reputation of the seller – as well as checking for pen marks.
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Two sportswear brands have seized nearly 7,000 counterfeit items – including fake football shirts, kits and jerseys – across the UK and Ireland since January.
In addition, Back Four Brand Protection has seized a total of 54,400 fake football shirts, kits and socks since January.
A representative from the Football Association of England said: “Brand abuse and counterfeiting negatively impact the income the FA generates from merchandising, which directly funds football at every level. Counterfeit products should be avoided by fans as they’re often of poor quality, and fans deserve better.”
