ST GEORGE’S (Grenada), Jan 31: Counterfeit goods featuring the words ‘World Cup Cricket 2007’ and an image of the tournament trophy were seized by customs authorities in Grenada.

The 44 headrest covers for vehicles destined for a resident in Grenada's capital were confiscated on Jan 17, Alanna Medford, who works in the tournament’s anti-counterfeit programme, said on Tuesday. The shipment was sent from Brooklyn, New York.

“This is the first report we have received of persons trying to import unauthorised merchandise into the region for the tournament, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement.

Similar counterfeit World Cup merchandise was spotted in New York last month.

Medford said a notice of seizure has been sent to the intended recipient of the goods and that person has one month to contest the seizure. If there is no objection, the goods become the property of the Grenada government, she said.

Matches for the March 13-April 28 tournament will be played in nine countries in the Caribbean, hosting the World Cup for the first time.—AP