May 12, 2010
Fake WC jerseys hit S.Africa
<!-- by line --> <!-- end by line --> JOHANNESBURG - ONE month before the World Cup kick-off, fake jerseys and souvenirs have swamped South Africa's streets, despite a clampdown on bogus goods coming mainly from Asia. Knock-off jerseys for the national team Bafana Bafana, England, Brazil and Spain are sold freely on the streets, as vendors openly tout for customers while dodging police. 'There has been a marked surge in fake football merchandise. Most of the items seized are manufactured in Asia,' said Mohamed Khader from Spoor and Fisher, a law firm representing Fifa.
Since the beginning of the year, customs authorities have confiscated over 100 million rands (S$17.5 million) worth of counterfeit football apparel coming mainly from China and other Asian countries. According to Fifa lawyers, over 100 cases involving counterfeit World Cup goods had been brought to court since January. That hasn't deterred vendors in downtown Johannesburg, the country's business hub, where stalls brandish different national jerseys dangling from hangers. Fake jerseys for England or Brazil go for 250 rand on the streets, while the authentic shirts sell for 600 rand.
Street-savvy vendors evade police raids by peddling their wares at busy intersections, enticing passing drivers and pedestrians. 'I won't tell you where I got my stock from but I can tell you that there is a big demand for all jersey's right now,' said a vendor in Alexandra township, north of Johannesburg. 'Selling the jerseys has put money in my pocket. I know of people who have been arrested for doing this job but it is worth taking a chance,' said the man, who did not want to give his name. -- AFP
