Source EUIPO
A major international enforcement action supported by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), targeting counterfeit sports merchandise, has led to the seizure of more than 66 000 fake football jerseys and kits intended for distribution during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The action is part of the Operation CLEANTRADE, carried out under the framework of EMPACT (the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats) and led by the Spanish National Police, with the support of the EUIPO, Europol, Interpol, and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
The action focused on counterfeit football merchandise linked to national teams participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Investigations carried out across Spain identified storage, distribution and sales locations in several cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Elche and Dénia. More than 15 locations were searched, including warehouses, storage facilities, market stalls and premises linked to parcel distribution services.
As a result, authorities seized more than 66 000 counterfeit football jerseys and kits weighing over 16 tonnes. The products imitated official designs, crests and distinctive elements of national football teams and were intended for sale through illegal street markets, unauthorised online channels, social media platforms and other illicit distribution networks.
The estimated value of the counterfeit goods on the illicit market exceeded EUR 2 million, while the economic damage to intellectual property rights holders is estimated at more than EUR 7 million. The operation also resulted in numerous arrests linked to suspected intellectual property offences, while investigations remain ongoing.
