UK police have seized more than 4,400 counterfeit football shirts in what is being described as the largest raid of a new pre-World Cup enforcement campaign.

The early-morning operation was carried out on Saturday in the Midlands, targeting one of the country’s largest outdoor markets. Authorities say the crackdown is part of a wider effort to combat the surge in fake merchandise ahead of the global tournament.

According to TheAthleticFC, the raid marks a significant step in protecting consumers and legitimate retailers from counterfeit goods, which tend to flood the market in the build-up to major football events.

Investigations are ongoing, with officials warning that further raids are expected in the coming weeks.