SPORTS> Off the Pitch
Fake goods to cause millions lost
(AP)
Updated: 2006-05-30 13:50

The sporting goods industry and world customs authorities said Monday that legitimate businesses could lose millions of euros (dollars) from the sale of fake World Cup merchandise.

Fake goods to cause millions lost
Boxes of cereal designed as soccer balls are pictured in a supermarket in Olching near Munich May 24, 2006. Only 15 companies were awarded the right to market goods with official World Cup logo and FIFA, the world soccer organisation, is on the lookout for any piracy. The marketers of unofficial World Cup goods are careful to avoid anything that would open themselves up to a FIFA legal challenge. [Reuters]

The counterfeit goods include team shirts, soccer balls and other items being sold to fans for this year's tournament in Germany, which runs from June 9-July 9.

Officials at a special seminar in Brussels on fighting pirated goods said the costs from selling fake World Cup gear would be high to the sporting goods industry and consumers. But no one gave solid estimates.

"I would guess we are at a seven-digit figure with illegal activities and we also have to see that many activities do not only happen in Europe, but happen in countries like Brazil or Argentina, in those countries which are soccer crazy," said Jochen Schaefer, legal counsel of the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry.

About 230,000 jobs in Europe alone were put at risk because of lost business, Schaefer told The Associated Press. The group represents companies like Adidas, Nike and Puma, all of which are involved in providing uniforms to World Cup participants.

   Previous page 1 2 Next Page