CUP CUP AND AWAY: Customs Seize 500 Replica World Cup Trophies

Customs officials in China have seized hundreds of fake FIFA World Cup trophies about to be sent all over the planet.

The realistic-looking trophies were discovered by Nanning Customs officers in 41 boxes with a total of 492 fake trophies inside.

Like the original, the replicas show the world being held up by two human figures with the words 'FIFA WORLD CUP' on the base.

Nanning Customs said in a statement obtained by Newsflash: "The 'FIFA WORLD CUP' logo was printed on the trophies, and the parties concerned were unable to provide legal and effective export certification procedures for the above-mentioned goods.

"They were suspected of infringing on the exclusive right to use the trademark registered by the obligee in the General Administration of Customs."

The real FIFA World Cup Trophy - worth around USD 20 million (GBP 16.5 million) - was first introduced in 1974 and is made of solid 18-carat gold with a malachite base.

It was made by the Stabilimento Artistico Bertoni company in Italy and the current holders of the trophy are Argentina, winners of the 2022 World Cup.

Replicas of the trophy can be bought through FIFA on Amazon for less than GBP 5.

The statement added: "The batch of goods has been handed over to relevant departments for follow-up disposal."