The OFT also considered the issue of collusion, given that in 2003 it had fined Umbro and other members of a price-fixing cartel in replica football kit around the time of Euro 2000.

Its fate was sealed in 2001, when South-African-based company Masincedane Sport began to mass-produce a plastic version, thereby making it essential kit for football supporters across the country.

The countdown has started to the unveiling of Chelsea Football Club's new adidas home kit.