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STRASBOURG - French customs officers intercepted 998 counterfeit World Cup rugby balls made in India being imported to the host country ahead of the start of the tournament next month, the government said on Thursday.
The red and yellow balls, which were imported in violation of licensing laws to protect the official tournament ball, were seized by customs officials at Strasbourg's Entzheim airport in eastern France as they were awaiting customs clearance.
"Customs discovered 998 rugby balls imported for the 2007 World Cup and bearing the branding 'France 2007' even though they were not authentic product," the budget ministry said in a statement.
The official tournament ball, which costs 30 euros (20.32 pounds) is white with a green and blue design.
The balls intercepted from India were purchased by a company in France that makes brioches, a breakfast pastry. It had planned to distribute the balls as a free publicity gift.
The rugby World Cup is due to start in France on September 7 and runs until October 20.
- Reuters
