A Sporting CP Fan's Guide to Counterfeit Kits

It’s a frustrating moment for any Sportinguista. The package arrives, but as you inspect the shirt, your excitement fades. The iconic Verde e Branco (Green and White) hoops seem off, perhaps the shade of green isn't quite right, or the Leão (Lion) crest feels flimsy and poorly applied. You’ve discovered you’ve likely been sold a counterfeit.

This is more than just a simple purchasing error. It’s a moment of deep disappointment. This guide provides clear, constructive steps on what to do next, protect your fellow fans, and uphold the integrity of the club you support.

Confirm your suspicions

Before you can claim a refund or take any other action, a simple suspicion is not enough. You need definitive, objective evidence.

The KitLegit app provides this certainty. As a collaborative partner to Sporting Clube de Portugal, we offer a specialized, two-path system to get a formal verdict on your shirt’s authenticity.

Modern Nike Kits: Our AI technology will analyze the key digital markers. This includes the unique Nike product code on the internal label, the quality of the stitching, and the precise application of the crest.

Vintage Sporting CP Kits: For classic shirts, like the timeless Rebook shirt from Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic debut, our team of vintage experts will conduct a manual review. They will analyze the old labels, the fabric texture, and the specific embroidery methods from that era.

Upon completion, you will receive a formal Certificate of Authenticity, which serves as your primary piece of evidence for the next steps.

Reclaiming your money

Once you have your proof, you can take confident action.

Assemble Your Evidence: Create a complete file. Include your new KitLegit certificate, clear photos of the shirt's flaws, and screenshots of the original online listing and your proof of payment.

Initiate Contact with the Seller: Your first step is to message the seller directly through the platform where you made the purchase. Be professional and calm. State that the item has been professionally authenticated as counterfeit, present your evidence, and request a full refund.

Escalate Through the Platform: If the seller is unresponsive or uncooperative, immediately escalate your case using the platform's buyer protection program, whether on eBay, Vinted, or another marketplace. Submit your complete evidence file.

The Final Option, A Bank Chargeback: If all other methods fail, contact your credit card company or bank. You can initiate a chargeback for goods that are "not as described" or are confirmed counterfeit.

Report the Source

This step is crucial. Reporting the seller helps protect the entire community of Sportinguistas from being scammed by the same source. You are also supporting your club in this action. Sporting CP has a history of actively fighting counterfeits to protect its brand and its fans.

We have made this process simple:

Within the KitLegit App: After receiving a "counterfeit" verdict, you can use the simple "Report a Fake" function.

Directly to Sporting CP: You can also report brand protection issues directly to the club through its official channels to support their efforts.

Turn Frustration into a Positive Action

This process allows you to turn a negative experience into a positive, constructive action. You can get your money back, hold fraudulent sellers accountable, and help protect the integrity of the club.

Remember, the best defense is always prevention. Always use the KitLegit app to verify the listing photos before you buy. This ensures your passion, and your money, supports the Leões, not criminals.