The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has said, with the assistance of Malawi Interpol and the local authorities, it has identified the main production and supply centre of counterfeit jerseys in Mbeya, Tanzania.
This follows the influx of fake replica jerseys for Malawi national football teams across the country.
Fam Marketing and Broadcasting Manager Mayamiko Kafwamba said the association had engaged law enforcement agencies in both Malawi and Tanzania to track down suppliers, distributors and vendors who are involved in the illegal trade.
“Malawi Interpol officers are currently working hand-in-hand with Tanzania Interpol [officials] to trace and arrest the suspected mastermind behind the illegal production and distribution network,” Kafwamba said.
He said the campaign was aimed at protecting its brand and also ensuring that supporters receive authentic merchandise.
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“The ongoing nationwide operations serve as a clear warning that the sale of counterfeit Malawi national team jerseys is a serious offence and anyone found risks arrest, prosecution and confiscation of fake products.
“We want to send a strong warning to all those involved in the sale and distribution of counterfeit Malawi National Football Team jerseys that Fam will not tolerate this illegal business. More operations will be conducted and more arrests will follow,” he said.
According to Kafwamba, the latest operation was conducted at Matayifa Market in Karonga District where police officers arrested three suspects they identified as Mickidona Mwangonde, Simon Kanyamale, Thandie Mkandawire, Rhophus Mkandawire and Patricia Mwandwanga for allegedly selling counterfeit Flames jerseys.
He said the suspects were later taken to court to answer charges relating to the illegal sale and distribution of counterfeit merchandise.
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The Karonga operation followed a similar enforcement exercise conducted in Blantyre, where Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas) student Ellard Bernard was arrested after being found selling counterfeit jerseys at the campus.
He said the suspect was later taken to court and 15 fake jerseys were confiscated during the operation.
On April 6, this year, another operation was carried out in Mzuzu City, where Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers conducted a raid at Mzuzu Mataifa Market and arrested Samson Chisambi.
Upon searching his shop, officers discovered 51 counterfeit Flames jerseys. According to Fam, the illegal dealers are selling the fake replica kits at K19,500 each.
However, Fam is selling the replica jerseys at a minimum price of K30,000 each.
The association signed a two-year partnership with South African sports apparel manufacturer Admiral Sports as technical sponsor.
Through the two-year agreement, the sports apparel manufacturers will provide equipment valued at K400 million for national teams.
Previously, Fam used its Moto Brand, which was produced by Chinese suppliers.
Sports analyst Parry Chinyama said the best was to make the replica kits affordable to Malawians.
“The best way to curb this is to make the kits available everywhere at an affordable price. The fake suppliers are taking advantage of the high prices,” he said.
