Investigation reveals poor conditions in football shirt factories

Recent investigations have highlighted the harsh reality behind the production of official football jerseys for world-renowned clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Real Madrid. Workers at two Cambodian facilities, Bowker Garment Factory and Trax Apparel, are reportedly earning less than £1 an hour, struggling to cover basic living costs despite meeting demanding daily production quotas.

Concerns over safety and pay

"I want international customers to hear that one shirt they buy costs more than two weeks' salary for a worker."

Anonymous worker

Employees at these sites have raised significant concerns regarding their workplace environment, citing extreme heat and potential electrical hazards. While these factories are primary suppliers for Adidas, the sportswear giant maintains that it conducts regular audits to ensure safety standards and fair compensation are upheld across its global supply chain.

The investigation highlights the disparity between the high retail price of authentic team kits and the wages paid to those manufacturing them. Advocacy groups have described the findings as a grim reflection of broader issues within the garment industry, noting that workers often face immense pressure to meet high output targets while managing difficult physical conditions.