Counterfeit & Authenticity Policy

7.1 Introduction

Authenticity is the foundation of X Football. Every item on the Platform is represented as genuine, and the trust of our community depends on that standard being maintained. This Policy sets out X Football's definitions, obligations, and enforcement position in respect of counterfeit and inauthentic goods.

7.2 Definition of Counterfeit

For the purposes of this Policy, a counterfeit item is any item that:

• is an unauthorised reproduction or imitation of a branded, trademarked, or copyrighted product;
• bears a trademark, logo, or brand identifier it is not authorised to bear;
• is presented as genuine when it is a replica, bootleg, or 'inspired by' product; or
• has been materially misrepresented as to its authenticity, provenance, condition, or identity.

This includes but is not limited to: replica football shirts sold as originals, unofficial merchandise presented as licensed product, boots with counterfeit brand logos, and memorabilia with falsified autographs or provenance documentation.

7.3 Seller Obligations

Sellers must:

• only list items they genuinely believe to be authentic;
• accurately represent the provenance, condition, and authenticity of every item;
• retain proof of purchase, provenance documentation, or other evidence of authenticity for any item listed; and
• provide that evidence to X Football on request.

Uncertainty about an item's authenticity is not grounds for listing it as genuine. If a Seller is not certain an item is authentic, they must not represent it as such.

7.4 Prohibited Conduct

The following is strictly prohibited on the Platform:

• Listing counterfeit, replica, or unauthorised reproduction goods;
• Misrepresenting an item's condition, model, year, or identity;
• Providing false provenance documentation;
• Falsifying autographs or authentication certificates;
• Attempting to re-list an item that has been removed for inauthenticity;
• Coaching buyers to withdraw counterfeit claims.

7.5 X Football's Right to Require Proof of Authenticity

X Football reserves the right to require any Seller to provide proof of authenticity for any listed item at any time. Proof may include:

• Original purchase receipts or invoices;
• Chain of provenance documentation;
• Third-party authentication certificates;
• Photographic evidence consistent with authentic examples in X Football's reference archive.

Failure to provide satisfactory proof within 5 business days of request will result in listing removal. Repeated failure may result in account suspension.

7.6 Buyer Claim Process

A Buyer who has reason to believe they have received a counterfeit item must:

• Raise a claim within 14 days of confirmed delivery via the dispute function in their account, or by emailing support@xfootball.co. Claims raised within the first 3 days are fast-tracked.
• Provide clear photographic evidence of the item received and the specific concerns regarding its authenticity.
• Where possible, provide a comparison against a known authentic example.

X Football will acknowledge the claim within 2 business days.

7.7 Investigation Process

Upon receiving a counterfeit claim, X Football will:

• Notify the Seller and provide 3 business days to respond with evidence of authenticity.
• Review all evidence submitted, including the original listing, photographs, Seller response, and Buyer evidence.
• Where necessary, request physical return of the item for examination.
• Issue a determination within 10 business days of the claim date.

Outcome options:

• Claim upheld: full refund to Buyer; payout to Seller withheld or recovered; listing permanently removed.
• Claim not upheld: transaction stands; no refund issued.
• Inconclusive: further evidence requested; interim payout hold maintained.

7.8 Seller Appeal Process

A Seller who disputes a counterfeit finding may appeal within 7 days of the determination. Appeals must be submitted to appeals@xfootball.co and must include:

• a clear statement of the grounds for appeal;
• new evidence not previously submitted (appeals based solely on existing evidence will not be upheld); and
• the original listing ID and determination reference.

X Football will review the appeal and issue a final determination within 10 business days. X Football's determination on appeal is final for the purposes of Platform enforcement, though it does not affect either party's legal rights.

7.9 Consequences of Counterfeit Listings

• Immediate and permanent removal of the listing.
• Withholding of any outstanding payout related to the item.
• First offence: written warning and mandatory 14-day listing suspension.
• Second offence: 90-day account suspension.
• Third offence or serious single offence: permanent account ban.
• All offences: referral to relevant brand owner and, where there is evidence of criminal conduct, cooperation with law enforcement.

7.10 Cooperation with Brand Owners and Law Enforcement

X Football actively cooperates with brand owners, their authorised agents, and law enforcement authorities. We maintain an open reporting channel for brand protection teams at support@xfootball.co. X Football may share listing data, Seller information, and transaction records with authorities where required by law or where we have a reasonable belief that criminal activity has occurred.