KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: With the 2010 Fifa World Cup just over a month away, local syndicates have wasted no time churning out counterfeit football jerseys.

Authorities have detected syndicates working round the clock to cash in on World Cup fever.

Enforcement officers from the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry seized counterfeit sports products worth RM1 million ($430,000) in a raid on a wholesale plaza in Chow Kit last week.

"Items seized included football boots, jerseys and other sports paraphernalia," a spokesman said.

It is believed that the counterfeit products were meant to be distributed to traders in the Klang Valley.

"Enforcement officers carried out two weeks of surveillance on the outlet before carrying out the raid last week," the spokesman said.

A 26-strong team raided the five-storey building and they discovered several storerooms that had been converted into a mini-factory.

"However, the syndicate must have sensed something was wrong beforehand as there were no one around during the raid."

The syndicate, however, did not manage to take their counterfeit merchandise with them, leading to seizures of thousands of football jerseys.

The jerseys replicated by the syndicate included those of the national teams of Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Germany, France, England and Italy.

Officers also found jerseys of well-known English Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

"All the jerseys had been neatly packed and folded and authorities believe that they were ready to be distributed to traders."

Enforcement officers also seized equipment that print names of famous sport stars on the back of the jerseys.

"Those equipment can also print the team number of the fan's favourite player as well as the logo of the football league."

Each jersey is sold for between RM40 and RM100 each, depending on the quality of the material. There are extra charges for personalised jerseys.

The syndicate also sold bath towels, key holders, pens, pennants and other accessories.

The counterfeit products were checked by a representative from a leading sports brand to verify their authenticity.

"Authorities are aware that such activities will take place in the months leading up to a major sporting tournament and raids will be carried out continuously."

Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the identity of the individuals or companies who rented out the various rooms in which the counterfeit products were found.