JJB Sports PLC notes the decision of the Office of Fair Trading in its examination into allegations of price-fixing regarding replica football kits.
JJB is very disappointed that the OFT have found it to be guilty of price-fixing; a charge which it believes is totally unfounded. JJB today reiterates that it has never been involved in any form of price-fixing and will launch an immediate appeal against the decision of the OFT to the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
The decision of the OFT does not come as any surprise to JJB, taking into account the very selective use of testimonies given to the OFT by various parties, many of which were contradictory and none of which were backed up by any evidence.
JJB has fully cooperated with the OFT at all times during its investigation and has continued to maintain that not only was it not guilty of any price-fixing but has been the principal retailer in driving down the prices of replica kits. JJB is of the opinion that the OFT investigation was politically motivated and is confident that it will get a fair and unbiased hearing of its case before the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
For most of the retailers the normal fine has been tripled because of assurances given by the FA, the football clubs and the manufacturers following an investigation in 1999. The OFT has this morning confirmed that JJB was not involved in this investigation and that there is no suggestion that there was any contact between JJB and the OFT at that time.
