BBC investigation reveals workers making Premier League shirts earn under £1 per hour

BBC Sport's investigation followed the supply chain of official football shirts after fans complained about rising prices, many turning to counterfeits instead. Reporters traced authentic kits to Bowker Garment Factory and Trax Apparel in Cambodia, both primary suppliers subject to Adidas workplace standards.

According to BBC Sport, around 3,400 workers—mostly women—are employed at Bowker on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, with another 3,200 at Trax. Payslips reviewed by the BBC showed monthly basic salaries of $210–$220 (£158–£166), complying with local minimum-wage laws, though five days a week of eight-hour shifts plus overtime left workers struggling financially.

Interviewed anonymously, employees reported safety concerns about electrical equipment and heat stress, with factory temperatures reaching 35.2°C. One Bowker worker said she had little remaining after rent, food and utilities; another at Trax noted each shirt sold costs more than two weeks' salary for a manufacturer.

The Clean Clothes Campaign, a global workers' rights network, described the findings as painting a "very grim picture." Adidas, which supplies eight of the 20 Premier League teams, said it conducts around 1,200 factory audits yearly and claimed average net wages across Cambodian suppliers were 34% above living-wage benchmarks.

Research cited by BBC Sport suggested that of an £85 shirt, just £8.50 covers fabric, sewing and shipping, while retailers take £37.45 and manufacturers £16.25.