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Two Truck Drivers Charged Over Theft of England World Cup Gear

A rapid recovery of roughly $18,000 in kit prompted felony charges that could carry prison sentences.

Overview

  • Team England’s shipment from West Palm Beach to its Kansas City base was found missing items when it arrived and investigators recovered about $18,145 of gear within roughly 24 hours.
  • Jackson County prosecutors filed one count of receiving stolen property against Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal, a Class D felony that can carry up to seven years in prison.
  • A judge set bond at $75,000 cash surety with a 10% provision for each defendant and they remain subject to the Missouri court process.
  • Court records list recovered items including signed jerseys, multiple pairs of boots and shoes, a World Cup ball, goalkeeper gloves, team apparel, two stuffed lions, a JBL speaker and a Nike Air Lego set, and the FA said most kit was back before England’s first training session.
  • Authorities said Kansas City police and prosecutors coordinated across state lines to trace and recover the goods, a response that highlights gaps in multi-state sports logistics and could prompt tighter security for event transport.