Two Texas truck drivers, Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal, have been charged with stealing nearly $18,000 worth of soccer equipment belonging to the English national team as it prepared for the upcoming World Cup.
The alleged theft occurred while the pair were hauling the gear from a Florida warehouse to a Kansas City facility where the English squad will train and stay during the tournament.
Recovered Gear and Unaffected Preparations
All of the missing items, including signed jerseys, cleats and other apparel, were recovered within days, and officials confirmed that the incident would not disrupt the team’s training schedule.
Salik and Kamal remain held at the Jackson County Detention Center, each held on a $75,000 bond, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Legal Context
The case was brought forward by the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, which cited statements from the suspects that they believed they had permission to take the equipment from the English Football Association.
Both men face felony theft charges and are expected to appear in court later this month, where the prosecution will outline the next steps in the case.