Sports retailer JJB Sports will pay back consumers who bought certain replica shirts sold during 2000 and 2001, after consumer group Which? took legal action against the chain.

JJB will partly refund fans who bought England and Manchester United football shirts after Which? alleged that the retailer and other companies had fixed prices.

JJB said it had reached an agreement with Which? and that it will make a payment to consumers who took part in Which?’s action, as well as to customers who can provide proof of purchase for those particular shirts.

The retailer added: “While JJB recognises the right of Which? to bring an action for damages against the company, JJB does not, in settling the action, acknowledge or admit that any consumers suffered loss giving rise to an action for damages as a result of its words, actions, or behaviour”.

Which? head of legal Deborah Prince said: “The agreement reached with JJB Sports is a good deal for the hundreds of consumers who purchased football shirts and joined our case against JJB. Many of those who purchased the relevant shirts still have the whole of next year to take their shirt or proof of purchase into a JJB store, so we encourage them to do so.”

Which? launched legal action using new powers granted under the Enterprise Act 2002, but a deal was reached with JJB to stop the action before it reached the courts.

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