With the 2018/19 English Premier League set to kick off with the Friday evening fixture between Manchester United and Leicester City, Kieron Sharp, CEO of UK intellectual property protection organisation FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft) has warned fans against illegally streaming matches, particularly in light of the recent sentencing of John Haggerty and the Premier League illegal stream blocking order.

“As the Premier League season starts, the public should be aware that it is illegal to watch a match that is streamed through social media, on a piracy site, or using a device, box or stick connected to your TV,” advised Sharp. “Similarly, using one of these methods to stream premium TV, sports and films for which you should have an official subscription is also breaking the law. The recent sentencing of John Haggerty, along with the extended Premier League blocking order are proof of this and another step forward in tackling the issue of illegal streaming.”

“FACT is leading the way in combatting digital piracy and we will continue to work with The Premier League, industry and law enforcement agencies across the UK to clamp down on illegal content that poses a real threat to the creative industries, the UK economy and the livelihoods of the 1.9 million people working behind the scenes of our favourite sport, TV and film,” he added.