Ahead of World Cup, France Seizes Massive Haul of Counterfeit Jerseys, Mostly from China
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, French customs have seized a large number of counterfeit jerseys originating from China. The surge is driven by high prices of authentic jerseys and improved quality of fakes, leading French consumers to turn to cheaper counterfeit alternatives and creating a new market.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 6, 2026 at 23:31
- 🔍 Collected: June 6, 2026 at 23:40 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 6, 2026 at 23:41 (1 min after Collected)
(Central News Agency, Paris, 6th by reporter Tseng Yi-hsuan) As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on the 11th, more and more consumers are starting to buy counterfeit jerseys. These fake jerseys are cheap and look very similar to the real ones. French authorities have recently seized a large number of counterfeit goods, most of which came from China.
According to a report by Le Figaro, French customs announced the seizure of nearly 2,300 counterfeit jerseys in Chelles, Seine-et-Marne, most of which came from China.
In July 2025, the French postal freight department also discovered 20,000 fake jerseys in Lons-le-Saunier in the east. These large-scale seizures show that as consumers become more willing to buy counterfeit jerseys, an alternative market is emerging.
The report points out that the rampant counterfeit jersey trade is due to soaring prices of authentic jerseys and the improving quality of fakes.
In the past, counterfeit jerseys were of rough quality and could be easily identified as fakes by spelling errors or pattern differences. However, nowadays, some fakes can only be distinguished by the fineness of the workmanship or label details. A counterfeit jersey can cost as little as 1/10 of the price of an authentic one.
On a popular Chinese website, a French national team jersey sells for only 12.5 euros (about NT$455), while an authentic jersey costs 110 euros.
Virgile Caillet, a representative of the UNION Sport et Cycles, said, "Counterfeit jersey manufacturers save on all the costs that affect the price of authentic jerseys." The price of a jersey usually includes VAT, distributor margins, manufacturing costs, brand profits, sponsorship fees, etc.
For many fans, cheap jerseys are attractive. According to a 2023 survey by the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP) for the Manufacturers' Union (UNIFAB), 15% of French people have bought counterfeit sports goods.
Jules, a 22-year-old student, recently ordered counterfeit retro jerseys, partly because major brands no longer produce these styles and because they are very cheap (about 60 euros for three). He thinks the quality is not bad, but the patterns or lettering might be damaged after a few washes.
Julien, a 24-year-old construction worker, spent 105 euros on five jerseys, including a 1998 World Cup French national team jersey. He said, "All of them together cost the same as one (authentic) jersey. I will never buy from the official store again."
For customs, spotting counterfeits is like finding a needle in a haystack. These jerseys are usually sent in small packages, mixed in with millions of items arriving in France every day.
The report indicates that most fake jerseys come from China and Southeast Asia, and their production economic model is largely opaque, potentially posing risks to consumers.
Valérie Brochet, head of the Trade and Tariff Policy Department of the French Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes (DGDDI), said, "The manufacturing of this type of product is always suspicious because health and safety cannot be guaranteed. Whether it's the dye, fabric, or stitching, we have no idea what the products we wear are made of."
For sellers of authentic goods, the prevalence of fakes is worrying. However, overall, sellers are still profiting from growing demand. Caillet said, "We have never sold so many football jerseys." Football jerseys have become everyday wear for young people, a tool for identification and a way to express individuality.
Counterfeiters have not missed this trend either. Brochet pointed out that they target currently popular items. "With Paris Saint-Germain winning the Champions League and the World Cup approaching, demand has really grown this summer."
This year's World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and has been expanded to 48 teams for the first time. The number of matches has increased from 64 in the previous tournament to 104, and the event will last until July 19. (Editor: Chen Yanjun) 1150606
According to a report by Le Figaro, French customs announced the seizure of nearly 2,300 counterfeit jerseys in Chelles, Seine-et-Marne, most of which came from China.
In July 2025, the French postal freight department also discovered 20,000 fake jerseys in Lons-le-Saunier in the east. These large-scale seizures show that as consumers become more willing to buy counterfeit jerseys, an alternative market is emerging.
The report points out that the rampant counterfeit jersey trade is due to soaring prices of authentic jerseys and the improving quality of fakes.
In the past, counterfeit jerseys were of rough quality and could be easily identified as fakes by spelling errors or pattern differences. However, nowadays, some fakes can only be distinguished by the fineness of the workmanship or label details. A counterfeit jersey can cost as little as 1/10 of the price of an authentic one.
On a popular Chinese website, a French national team jersey sells for only 12.5 euros (about NT$455), while an authentic jersey costs 110 euros.
Virgile Caillet, a representative of the UNION Sport et Cycles, said, "Counterfeit jersey manufacturers save on all the costs that affect the price of authentic jerseys." The price of a jersey usually includes VAT, distributor margins, manufacturing costs, brand profits, sponsorship fees, etc.
For many fans, cheap jerseys are attractive. According to a 2023 survey by the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP) for the Manufacturers' Union (UNIFAB), 15% of French people have bought counterfeit sports goods.
Jules, a 22-year-old student, recently ordered counterfeit retro jerseys, partly because major brands no longer produce these styles and because they are very cheap (about 60 euros for three). He thinks the quality is not bad, but the patterns or lettering might be damaged after a few washes.
Julien, a 24-year-old construction worker, spent 105 euros on five jerseys, including a 1998 World Cup French national team jersey. He said, "All of them together cost the same as one (authentic) jersey. I will never buy from the official store again."
For customs, spotting counterfeits is like finding a needle in a haystack. These jerseys are usually sent in small packages, mixed in with millions of items arriving in France every day.
The report indicates that most fake jerseys come from China and Southeast Asia, and their production economic model is largely opaque, potentially posing risks to consumers.
Valérie Brochet, head of the Trade and Tariff Policy Department of the French Directorate General of Customs and Indirect Taxes (DGDDI), said, "The manufacturing of this type of product is always suspicious because health and safety cannot be guaranteed. Whether it's the dye, fabric, or stitching, we have no idea what the products we wear are made of."
For sellers of authentic goods, the prevalence of fakes is worrying. However, overall, sellers are still profiting from growing demand. Caillet said, "We have never sold so many football jerseys." Football jerseys have become everyday wear for young people, a tool for identification and a way to express individuality.
Counterfeiters have not missed this trend either. Brochet pointed out that they target currently popular items. "With Paris Saint-Germain winning the Champions League and the World Cup approaching, demand has really grown this summer."
This year's World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and has been expanded to 48 teams for the first time. The number of matches has increased from 64 in the previous tournament to 104, and the event will last until July 19. (Editor: Chen Yanjun) 1150606
FAQ
Where did the counterfeit jerseys seized in France come from?
According to reports, most came from China and Southeast Asia.
Why are counterfeit jerseys on the rise?
Due to soaring prices of authentic jerseys and the improved quality of fakes, making them harder to distinguish.
How much do counterfeit jerseys cost?
While authentic jerseys cost around €110, counterfeits are sold for as low as €12.5, about one-tenth the price.