THE sports goods empire founded by ex-Blackburn Rovers star David Whelen has admitted breaking international sanctions by buying goods made in Myanmar, formerly Burma.

But JJB Sports, which has outlets throughout East Lancashire, moved swiftly to defuse the issue after an investigation by the UK pressure group Burma Campaign.

JJB admitted to an "oversight" in its sourcing procedures after goods manufactured in Myanmar were found in its flagship Oxford Street store.

A company spokesman said: "The company accepts there was an oversight which will be remedied. We have been in contact with the Burma Campaign and have reiterated our commitment not to purchase goods that have been manufactured there."

The Burma Campaign is a leading pressure group against corporate operations in Myanmar. It has now removed JJB from its 'dirty list' of companies that maintain links with the country and its ruling military regime.

Mark Farmaner at BCUK said: "JJB have acted responsibly on this one.

"They're getting in contact with suppliers, will be making random checks and have withdrawn the stocks. They've done everything we've asked for."

The Burma Campaign said it had found shirts and shorts, made by Italian firm Kappa, in JJB's central London store.

Kappa, which also manufactures replica strips for Blackburn Rovers, is currently the subject of a co-ordinated email campaign by anti-Burma regime supporters across Europe.

London-based Burma Campaign said that foreign investment and trade in Burma helped finance a regime that used rape, torture and murder to oppress its own people.