Authenticity and Certification
How do we verify signatures?
With a signed shirt you want to be sure whose signature you are buying and what proves its authenticity. That is why for every item we state the available information on its provenance, certification and documentation you will receive.
We work with ACGcert and Sport COA for expert signature verification. You will always find the specific certificate issuer in the product detail.
Do you want confirmation of authenticity for a specific item? Send us the link and we will be happy to explain it.
How we verify authenticity
01 / We establish the origin
We establish where the item comes from and how the signature was obtained — for example at a personal meeting, a signing event or through a partner supplier.
02 / We check the documentation
We review the available proof of authenticity for the item. It can be a certificate, a record from the certification company, or a photo or video of the signing.
03 / We work with experts
We work with ACGcert and Sport COA to assess signatures. Who verified a specific signature is stated in the product detail.
04 / We state what you are buying
The description distinguishes a signed shirt, a shirt prepared for a player and a shirt worn in a match. You will also find an overview of the documentation you receive with the item.
What is a certificate of authenticity?
For every product you will find which certificate or other proof of authenticity is included with your purchase. Its form may differ depending on the item and the certification company.
A certificate of authenticity, also known as a COA (Certificate of Authenticity), contains the issuer's conclusion on the authenticity of the stated signature or item. It can be printed or digital.
On a certificate, check mainly:
- The issuer — who assessed the signature.
- The item — which piece the document refers to.
- The scope of verification — exactly what the certificate confirms.
- Identification details — for example a number, a photo or a description of the item.
A signed shirt does not automatically mean a shirt worn in a match
| Designation | What it means |
|---|---|
| Signed shirt | A shirt with the player's signature. The signature alone does not mean the player wore it. |
| Shirt prepared for the player | A shirt prepared for a specific player for a match, but he did not play in it. It was not worn in a match. |
| Shirt worn in a match | A shirt the player actually used. Match use requires separate proof. |
A signature certificate alone does not confirm the origin of the shirt itself or its use in a match. The details are always in the product description.
Why is there sometimes no photo or video of the signing?
Not every signing session allows photos and videos. Some players or organisers of private signing sessions do not want photography or filming. Our partner companies, from whom we obtain signed shirts, respect these conditions too. At other times organisational options do not allow every individual piece to be captured.
How is authenticity documented in such a case?
We want to offer you shirts only with genuine player signatures. That is why we also submit shirts from trusted suppliers for further expert verification by ACG or Sport COA, which assess the authenticity of each signature. The product detail gives you information on the item's origin and an overview of the available proof of authenticity, such as a photo, a video of your specific piece or footage from the signing event.
Our partners verifying signatures
ACGcert
A British company whose experts examine a signature and compare it with verified signatures of the same player.
What certification gives you
- The signature is assessed by experts — you get their opinion on its authenticity.
- The item has its own number — with full certification you will find it on the holographic sticker.
- You can check the record online — via the QR code or the number on the ACGcert website.
- You can compare the photo — you can check that the item and the signature match the record.
Sport COA
A Spanish company specialising in signatures on shirts, balls, boots and other items. According to the company, they are assessed by experts specialising in handwriting and documents.
What certification gives you
- The signature is assessed by experts in sports autographs.
- You receive proof of assessment — printed or digital, depending on the certification type.
- You can look up the certificate online — where the certification type allows it, just enter its number on the Sport COA website.
- A printed certificate has security features — for example a holographic sticker that makes imitation harder.
The certificate and other proof of authenticity you receive for your item are always stated in the product detail.
How to use the Footzone QR code?
Every item you buy comes with a unique QR code that opens its record in the Footzone database.
1. Scan the QR code
Open your phone camera, point it at the code and tap the link that appears.
2. View your item
The record shows the photo, the description and the available certification details.
3. Compare the details
Check that the item and the enclosed certificate match the record. If a certificate number is stated, compare it as well.
4. Check the certificate with the issuer
If the certification company offers public verification, you can also find the certificate directly in its database.
The code does not work or a detail does not match? Write to us and include your order number and a photo of the item and its documents.
Want to check everything before you buy?
Send us the link to the item you have chosen. We will explain:
- what we know about its origin,
- who verified the signature,
- what documents you will receive with the purchase,
- whether we have a photo or video of the signature,
- whether it is a signed shirt, a shirt prepared for a player, or a shirt worn in a match.
We will give you all available information about the specific item.
Didn't find the answer to your question?
Send us the link to the item you are interested in. We will be happy to go through its documentation with you.