Liverpool FC Targets Counterfeit Pro-Palestinian Shirts Using Altered Club Crest
Premier League clubs act against unauthorized merchandise featuring modified logos and political slogans.
1Unauthorized Merchandise Proliferation
Liverpool FC is actively addressing the sale of counterfeit football shirts featuring pro-Palestinian slogans. These unauthorized items display modified versions of the club's official crest, raising concerns about brand integrity. The organization UK Lawyers for Israel first alerted the club to these potential trademark infringements on October 26, 2026.
2Legal Basis for Action
The club's intervention is grounded in the Trade Marks Act 1994, which protects registered logos from unauthorized commercial use. While political expression remains protected under UK law, this does not grant individuals the right to exploit protected intellectual property. Liverpool FC is now reporting these specific sales listings to various online platforms.
3Scope of the Infringements
The issue extends beyond Liverpool FC, affecting multiple Premier League teams including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City. Sellers have altered club crests, lettering, and sponsor logos to incorporate political messaging. For instance, Manchester City's sponsor Etihad Airways was replaced with the text Palestine Airways on several of these counterfeit jerseys.
4Specific Crest Modifications
In the case of Liverpool FC, the iconic club crest was modified to include the initials P.L.C., representing the Palestine Legislative Council. Other clubs face similar alterations, such as Chelsea's crest being rebranded as Palestine Club. These changes are designed to blend political statements with the visual identity of established football brands.
5Risk of Consumer Confusion
A primary concern for the clubs is that fans might mistakenly perceive these shirts as official merchandise. Such confusion could lead the public to incorrectly attribute specific political stances to the football clubs themselves. By taking legal action, the teams aim to clarify their position and prevent the unauthorized association with political movements.
6Institutional Response Measures
Liverpool FC has confirmed that it is taking direct action against retailers using its trademarks without permission. The club has already reported these offers to website operators and social media networks. Other clubs, such as Manchester United, have referred the matter to their internal brand protection departments for further review and potential litigation.
7Broader Industry Implications
The situation highlights the vulnerability of sports brands to political co-option in digital marketplaces. As online retailers continue to host these items, clubs are forced to dedicate resources to brand protection. This development underscores the tension between individual freedom of expression and the strict enforcement of corporate intellectual property rights online.
8Future Enforcement Outlook
Liverpool FC plans to continue its efforts to remove these items from circulation. While some clubs like Manchester City have acknowledged receipt of legal alerts, they have yet to announce specific measures. The ongoing monitoring of online platforms remains a critical priority for the Premier League to protect its collective commercial interests.