31-5-2023 (LONDON) In a landmark ruling, five individuals involved in the illegal streaming of English Premier League football matches have been sentenced to prison by a UK court, announced the league on Tuesday. This prosecution, described as the “world’s largest-ever” against an illegal streaming network, saw the defendants receive prison terms ranging from three to 11 years each. The Premier League took action against the gang, who reportedly generated over £7 million (US$8.7 million) by selling subscriptions to three illegal streaming platforms, catering to more than 50,000 customers and resellers.
The illegal streaming networks provided unauthorized access to watch Premier League matches, as well as hundreds of channels from around the world and a vast library of on-demand films and TV shows, the Premier League stated. Mark Gould, 36, considered the “mastermind” behind the operation, was sentenced to 11 years in jail at Chesterfield Justice Centre in central England. The remaining four members of the gang received sentences ranging from three to over five years.
The private prosecution was supported by the trading standards team at Hammersmith and Fulham Council in London, as well as the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), an organization dedicated to protecting intellectual property rights. The severity of the sentences reflects the extensive efforts made to bring these individuals to justice and highlights the gravity of their crimes, according to Kevin Plumb, the general counsel of the Premier League.
The gang operated a highly sophisticated network that involved numerous employees. Their operation capitalized on the demand for live access to Premier League matches, which were otherwise unavailable in the UK due to broadcasting rules known as “blackout” regulations. By accessing feeds from broadcasters in the UK, Qatar, the United States, Australia, and Canada, the gang streamed the matches a few seconds later through their illegal platforms. They also developed mobile phone and online applications for screening Premier League matches and other content.
The English Premier League is the most financially lucrative football league globally, with the UK broadcast rights alone valued at approximately £5 billion for the seasons spanning 2022 to 2025.
