The Brussels Commercial Court has ordered the immediate closure of nearly 100 websites broadcasting illegal content from the Jupiler Pro League.
The decision was made after Eleven/DAZN, the rights holder for the broadcast, brought legal action. Telecom companies Telenet, Proximus, VOO and Orange have complied with the court’s order.
Massimo D’Amario, managing director of Eleven/DAZN Belgium, provided details in a press release. "The collaboration between market players – Eleven/DAZN, telecom companies and the Pro League – aims to send a strong message to illegal platforms, consumers and politicians."
This first step marks the beginning of "real" action against piracy and illegal content consumption. "It’s time we recognise its negative impact and halt access to illegal content,” he explained.
Lorin Parys, CEO of the Pro League, supported the move. "Broadcasting rights revenues are fundamental to Belgian football, supporting both amateur and professional clubs. Almost half a million Belgians consume illegal content, and this has damaging repercussions for the entire ecosystem," he outlined.
Parys estimated the damage done by illegal football broadcasting. "Annual losses from illegal distribution of football are around €134 million, and there’s a shortfall of nearly €24 million in VAT for government and citizens," he said. "Developing active instruction is more critical than ever. We must unite in our fight against content piracy, working along with the rights holders and all parties involved."
Statistics from the Audiovisual Anti-Piracy Alliance (AAPA) reveal that almost 6% of Belgians regularly consume illegal content, compared to a European average of 4.5%. For the 16-24 age group, this figure rises to 20%.
