A shocking discussion has erupted on Reddit after a football fan claimed they received a counterfeit Arsenal jersey directly from Adidas. While buying directly from the brand usually guarantees authenticity, this incident suggests a massive lapse in quality control.
Adidas Send a Fake Arsenal Kit to a Buyer
The issue was brought to light by a Reddit user who ordered the Arsenal 25-26 third kit (Authentic Long Sleeve version). However, upon opening the package, they found a short-sleeve version that raised immediate red flags.
Here is what the buyer had to say:
"I bought the 25/26 Arsenal third jersey in long sleeve authentic version and I got a short sleeve instead? Also the code inside the shirt doesn’t match with the actual short sleeve product code. The jersey has loose threads as well. This is 100% a fake jersey. How on earth has this happened? I’ve requested a refund but I’m genuinely so disappointed."
To make matters worse, the buyer is based in Canada, where this specific kit was not available. They used a parcel forwarding service (Shippsy) to get the shirt, spending an additional $70 USD on shipping, money that is likely non-refundable despite the error.
The Evidence: 'IP8211' Code and Missing HEAT.RDY
The buyer provided two pieces of undeniable proof that the shirt is a fake
- The 'IP8211' Code: The internal tag shows the code "IP8211". For kit collectors, this is a smoking gun. This is a generic placeholder code frequently found on mass-produced counterfeit jerseys from overseas and does not match the unique product code of the Arsenal kit.
- Missing Tech Logo: The most obvious visual error confirms the fake status. Since the user ordered an Authentic version (and even if it were a high-end replica), the shirt should feature Adidas' premier technology branding. The authentic Arsenal 25-26 third kit displays the "HEAT.RDY" text on the bottom right hem. This specific jersey completely lacks the HEAT.RDY logo, a mistake that would never pass a genuine factory inspection.
How Could This Happen? The 'Return Fraud' Theory
How does a global giant like Adidas accidentally sell a fake? The community suggests this is a classic case of return fraud.
The most likely scenario is that a previous customer bought a genuine jersey, swapped it with a cheap counterfeit, and returned the fake to Adidas for a refund. The Adidas returns department likely failed to inspect the item thoroughly, missed the incorrect tags and lack of "HEAT.RDY" branding, and placed it back into inventory, eventually shipping it to this unfortunate buyer.
Have you ever received a fake product when buying directly from a major brand like Nike or Adidas? Let us know in the comments below.