Liverpool FC and Premier League Clubs Target Counterfeit Shirts with Pro-Palestinian Slogans

Liverpool Football Club has initiated legal and enforcement measures against online retailers selling unauthorized replica jerseys that feature modified club crests combined with pro-Palestinian messaging. The Merseyside club confirmed that it has reported listings to website hosts and social media platforms to halt the unauthorized use of its protected intellectual property.

The unauthorized apparel has been offered for sale through a website titled "From Palestine to the World." On the Liverpool garments, the club's traditional crest was altered to incorporate the initials "P.L.C.", representing the Palestine Legislative Council. Club representatives stated that the enforcement measures aim to prevent supporters from mistakenly assuming the products are official club merchandise.

The legal push follows notifications sent to several English top-flight clubs by the advocacy group UK Lawyers for Israel on 26 October 2026. The organization alerted Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City to potential trademark violations across online platforms. The matter was subsequently reported by the online outlet Jewish News on 5 November 2026.

Similar alterations have affected merchandise associated with other Premier League teams. Manchester United's emblem was combined with a peace dove carrying an olive branch alongside the slogan "Manchester with Gaza," prompting the club to forward the case to its brand protection division. Chelsea FC reported referring an altered crest reading "Palestine Club" and featuring the word "Palestine" in place of its primary shirt sponsor to internal review teams.

Manchester City also received notification regarding unauthorized designs that replaced its main sponsor, Etihad Airways, with the text "Palestine Airways." While Manchester City acknowledged receiving the report from UK Lawyers for Israel, the club has not announced specific formal enforcement actions. Across all affected clubs, sponsor logos, lettering, and official emblems were altered without commercial authorization.

The actions by the clubs are grounded in potential violations of the UK Trade Marks Act 1994, under which the unauthorized commercial use of registered trademarks constitutes an infringement. Legal experts noted that while political speech and expression receive protection under UK law, such rights do not permit the unauthorized commercial use of registered corporate trademarks. The primary regulatory concern remains the potential to misinform consumers regarding official club endorsements or political stances.

Written by Christiane Hofreiter christiane.hofreiter@alpineweekly.com