Fake World Cup trophies seized at Paris airport

Fake World Cup trophies seized at Paris airport
Customs agents seized scores of fake World Cup statues at a Paris airport. Photo: Douane Française
French customs agents seized 30 knockoff World Cup trophies at a Paris airport on Wednesday, destined to be sold to football fans throughout France, who might have fancied getting their own hands on the famous cup.

With France still in the running for the World Cup title some shrewd businessmen were trying to make a quick euro off of fans frenzy for the big competition with a special souvenir.

But these 30 knockoffs of the distinctive World Cup trophy never made it to the market, after customs agents seized them as they passed through Charles de Gaulle airport on a plane from China, French customs authorities said in a statement on Wednesday.

The fakes trophies, which are illegal because they weren’t licensed reproductions, aren’t exactly the first of their kind. Customs authorities said crafty investors produce everything from unlicensed shirts to stickers and mascots for sale during big events like the World Cup and Olympics.

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