Fake football kits: what is the real cost?

Side by side, there’s no obvious difference between these two Manchester United shirts – but buying the original one will cost £85, and the other just £15.

Counterfeit football kits are not a new problem, but some experts have raised concerns that sub-standard materials used in their manufacture could be harmful.

“We don’t know what’s in these kits, they could pose a health risk,” says Louise Baxter-Scott of Trading Standards.

“They are poorly made but look legitimate, and the pressure of Christmas, combined with the increase in the cost of living, is creating greater consumer vulnerability and pushing people towards a cheaper alternative.”

Chloe Long – deputy director general at the anti-counterfeiting group – warns that fake gadgets can cause rashes on wearers.

“Wearing this tape may cause irritation,” she says. “It can cause even more significant problems – especially if toxins or harmful dyes are used to manufacture those products.”

Long has helped track the supply chain of counterfeit products, which often originate from factories in China.

When asked if there was evidence of toxins in the fake strips, she said: “It’s very difficult to know retrospectively what was put in the product, but you can see in some cases that it could be harmful.”

“And they don’t follow any regulations. They’re not bound by the same laws and regulations as the original manufacturers.”

Long says counterfeiters have no ethics or standards, and the only thing that motivates them is price.

“Whatever they can get to make this look as close to the real thing as possible, they’ll do it,” she says.

“So you don’t know what could happen when you put that in the washing machine with other products, and especially if you’re buying it for kids, that’s not a risk you should take.”