London - Soccer fans were looking forward yesterday to cheaper replica kits after manufacturers and leading clubs were berated by the principal consumer watchdog for artificially inflating prices.
After a 2 1/2-year inquiry, Mr John Bridgeman, Director-General of Fair Trading, found that manufacturers threatened - illegally - to withhold supplies if retailers sold cut-price kits. Although he did not name them, Mr Bridgeman said there was "conclusive evidence" that some Premier League sides had encouraged manufacturers to block discount pricing.
He announced the Football Association, the Scottish FA and the English Premier League clubs had undertaken to stop resale price maintenance in the £210 million-a-year replica kit market.
At present, adult fans pay an average £40 sterling for a replica shirt, and £55 for a full kit. Children's outfits tend to be only £5£10 cheaper. Estimates suggested shop prices could be up to five or six times the cost of manufacture.