Fake merchandise haul lands just before tournament fever peaks
Counterfeit soccer jerseys have landed Toronto police in the limelight just days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after officers uncovered what they called Canada’s largest known seizure of fake football merchandise.
Reuters reports police said the haul came from a Mississauga warehouse and was worth more than C$3.5 million (R41.9 million). It included more than 16 000 counterfeit jerseys and flags carrying fake FIFA, Nike, Adidas and Puma branding, plus two imitation World Cup trophies.
Superintendent David Ecklund described the bust as the ‘largest known seizure of counterfeit soccer jerseys in Canadian history.’
CNN’s video coverage also framed the seizure as counterfeit sports merchandise, with jerseys, trophies and flags among the fake goods. Toronto police said two men have been arrested and charged. Authorities added that the items were believed to be headed for retail stores.
The timing matters. Toronto is preparing to host six World Cup matches and expects more than 300 000 visitors, which makes the city a prime target for knock-off sellers looking to cash in on fan demand. Similar cases have surfaced before.
Reuters reports that Spanish police seized 11 tonnes of fake soccer shirts ahead of the 2024 Champions League final and Euro 2024, while US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has warned that major sporting events regularly attract counterfeit jerseys, hats and tickets.
Closer to home, the seizure comes weeks after a social media storm in South Africa over the authenticity of a Bafana Bafana jersey worn by Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie. The debate, which unfolded in early April, reignited discussions about how difficult it can be for fans to distinguish between official merchandise, replica kits and counterfeit products.
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Picture: Cristian Tarzi / Unsplash
