England fans travelling to Germany for the upcoming European Championship could be hit with a staggering £2,500 fine for simply wearing their team’s shirt. The surprising rule stems from strict local legislation aimed at preventing counterfeit merchandise.
Under German law, anyone caught wearing unofficial or fake football shirts in public during the tournament risks being penalised. Authorities are cracking down on counterfeit goods, and supporters may unknowingly fall foul of the regulations if their kits lack official licensing tags.
Why Are England Shirts Under Scrutiny?
The issue centres on trademark protection. Germany enforces rigorous anti-counterfeiting measures, meaning even fans wearing seemingly legitimate shirts could face fines if they fail to prove their gear is officially licensed. Many supporters buy jerseys from unofficial retailers or online marketplaces, unaware they might be breaching the law.
What Can Fans Do?
To avoid trouble, supporters should:
- Purchase shirts from official retailers like Nike or the FA’s online store.
- Keep receipts as proof of authenticity.
- Avoid buying from unofficial vendors, especially those offering suspiciously low prices.
UEFA has also warned that counterfeit merchandise undermines the tournament’s integrity and funds criminal networks. While the fines may seem harsh, German officials insist the rules are necessary to protect brands and consumers.
Will This Dampen the Party Atmosphere?
Despite the crackdown, most fans are expected to ignore the warnings, with many seeing the fines as an overreaction. Social media has already erupted with criticism, with some labelling the move as ‘anti-fan’. However, authorities remain firm, stating that random checks will be conducted in host cities.
For now, England supporters are advised to double-check their shirts before packing for Germany—unless they fancy an unexpected £2,500 souvenir.
