World Cup fever heats up the local jersey market
Image generated by AI.
With the arrival of major football tournaments like the World Cup, Copa America, or European championships, the language of passion among football fans in Bangladesh changes dramatically. From the alleys of the capital to large shopping malls, the excitement for Argentina and Brazil jerseys spreads everywhere.
Jerseys with names like Messi, Neymar, or Vinícius Júnior become symbols of emotion, identity, and support for young fans. But in this passionate market, an unusual price surge is now being observed. Allegations have emerged that a powerful business syndicate is creating artificial shortages by exploiting demand, putting pressure on ordinary consumers.
A visit to the Gulistan Sports Market in Dhaka shows a huge collection of Argentina and Brazil jerseys everywhere. From shop displays to roadside stalls, jerseys of different qualities and prices are available. However, customers appear more disappointed than happy. Prices have increased significantly within just a few days.
Akhtar Hossain, owner of Style Sports in Gulistan, said, “A jersey that we used to buy wholesale for 180 taka just three days ago now costs between 380 and 400 taka. Earlier there was regular supply, but now the availability of goods is much lower compared to demand.”
He noted that jersey prices currently range from 300 taka to as high as 2,000 taka depending on fabric and quality. However, low- and middle-income buyers who want basic-quality jerseys are suffering the most.
Traders claim that the sudden rise in demand around the tournament has created pressure on the supply chain. In addition, increases in the international dollar rate, shipping costs, and production expenses have also affected the local market. However, some retailers argue that prices are being increased unusually at the wholesale level, indicating possible artificial shortages in the market.
Market analysis shows that compared to 2022, there have been notable changes in the prices of various Argentina and Brazil jerseys in 2026. While the prices of standard local or sublimation jerseys have remained relatively stable, premium fan editions have increased by about 11 to 40 percent. Player edition kits have risen by 7 to 10 percent. The largest jump has been seen in official international jerseys, where prices have increased by about 50 to 130 percent.
Experts say that global factors such as dollar shortages, brand premiums, and rising import costs are driving this price increase, but the impact is being felt more sharply in the local market.
The sharp price instability has put young people and students under the greatest pressure.
Asaduzzaman Rabbi, a student of a public university, expressed his frustration: “I bought a Brazil jersey for 450 taka. If I had come three days earlier, I might have gotten it at a lower price. Now, even after going from one shop to another, nothing is available below 700 taka.”
Customers also complain that almost all shops in the market are maintaining similar prices, which has reduced the opportunity for bargaining.
A similar situation is visible in the street markets as well. Street vendor Kabir Hossain explained the current price trends: children’s jerseys are being sold for around 200 taka, short-sleeved basic jerseys for about 300 taka, and slightly better-quality jerseys for 500 to 600 taka. However, he also claims that they have been forced to increase prices due to rising demand.
Seller Sabbir Ahmed noted that wholesale prices have almost doubled within just three days, with daily sales reaching 300 to 400 jerseys.
Nasir Uddin, who came to Dhaka from Matlab for medical treatment, also bought jerseys for his children. He said, “I bought a jersey for my daughter yesterday, and today I bought one for my son. Within a day, I had to pay 50 taka more. Every shop says the same thing—if you want, buy it, otherwise leave it.”
However, a section of traders has denied allegations of syndicates or artificial shortages. Amir Hossain, manager of Janta Sports, said, “We bring jerseys directly from factories. Due to increased demand, production is falling short. Prices are rising because of multiple handovers in the supply chain; there is no syndicate here.”
Still, retailer Akhtar Hossain claims that wholesale prices suddenly increased by 150 to 200 taka, which has affected the entire market. He fears that prices may rise further in the coming week.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection has assured that the situation is being monitored. Director of Complaints and Investigation, Md. Masum Arefin, said that no written complaints regarding jersey price hikes or syndicates have been received so far.
On the other hand, SM Nazrul Hossain, Vice President of the Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB), believes that exploiting demand for excessive profit is unethical. He emphasized that both traders and consumers must act responsibly to stabilize the market.
Football fans’ emotions always drive the jersey market during major tournaments. But when that emotion turns into unfair profit-making, ordinary consumers suffer the most.
