Doha: A total of 144 counterfeit FIFA World Cup trophies were seized in Qatar. The operation was conducted by the Economic and Cyber Crimes Combating Department at the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation, in co-operation with the Intellectual Property Protection Committee.
The Ministry of Interior said the violation was according to Law No.10 of 2021 pertaining to the measures to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
In a statement, the ministry said it got information regarding a website which sells counterfeit FIFA World Cup trophies. The accused were then reached after intensifying search and investigation.
Several counterfeit trophies were found in the possession of the violators and legal measures were taken.
FIFA has been publishing several awareness messages regarding the use of intellectual property rights related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, without obtaining prior written consent.
The Ministry of Interior and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, in co-operation with FIFA, will also continue their efforts to raise awareness about the intellectual property rights related to the tournament.
The authorities also urged everyone to abide by the laws and regulations governing intellectual property and not to violate the rights of others to avoid legal accountability.
