By Riyaz ul Khaliq
ISTANBUL (AA) – Just days before the official launch of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Hong Kong customs authorities seized a consignment of counterfeit jerseys and sports shoes worth millions of dollars.
Gary Hung, divisional commander of Hong Kong customs, told a news conference on Thursday that the confiscated goods “are highly accurate copies of genuine articles.”
The 2022 World Cup is set to kick off in Qatar on Sunday and end on Dec. 18.
Authorities seized 100,000 counterfeit football jerseys and sports shoes worth more than 50 million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $6.3 million).
At least 15 people were taken into custody, who were later released on bail.
The counterfeit sports goods were stocked across the semi-autonomous region before being sold out in the local market or exported to Europe, South America, and Africa.
“Customs reminds the public to buy goods at reputable shops and compare the market price range before purchase. Customers should remain more alert to unusual prices offered by the online traders or some goods in limited editions being offered by the traders,” Gary said in a video clip shared by Hong Kong's official RTHK News.
Host Qatar will face Ecuador on Sunday in the inaugural match of the World Cup at the Al Bayt Stadium. Sixty-four games will be played to determine which country will be crowned champion in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.