DAZN Pursues Legal Action Against Over 2,000 Illegal IPTV Viewers in Italy, Seeking €500 Penalties
DAZN is aggressively combating illegal streaming of football matches, initiating legal proceedings against more than 2,000 individuals in Italy who accessed games through illicit IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) services. According to reports from Sudpresse, Italian courts have already identified these users, and DAZN, in conjunction with telecom regulator Agcom, intends to seek a fine or damages of €500 per person.
This action represents a notable escalation in the fight against piracy, with approximately 4,000 additional cases currently pending before the courts. The legal pursuit is designed to serve as a deterrent to those attempting to bypass legitimate subscription fees for streaming services.
The crackdown isn’t limited to DAZN. Sky Italia, a major Italian sports broadcaster, is reportedly considering similar legal action against viewers accessing live matches without proper subscriptions, as reported by Italian media outlets. This signals a growing intensity in the battle against piracy,particularly as the cost of legal streaming options increases and illegal alternatives gain traction.
Meanwhile, negotiations continue between DAZN and Belgian telecom operators Proximus and Telenet regarding distribution of the Jupiler Pro League. As of this weekend, a distribution agreement remains elusive, meaning Belgian football fans will need to access matches exclusively through the DAZN app.