Why football fans face biggest ever crackdown

KODI users face tough new measures as the Premier League secures High Court Order which will instantly block live football streams.

The Premier League kicks off in just a few weeks time and those hoping to watch via illegal streams may face a major disappointment.

The Kodi TV player has exploded in popularity over the past year with millions using it to watch and stream live sports, including football, without paying for a subscription.

Kodi is not illegal but third party add-ons, which can be easily downloaded from the web, allow users to view premium content for free.

However, things are about to change with a new High Court Order allowing the Premier League to force UK Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block servers that are hosting illegal streams of its matches.

The Order – which will be in place for the entire 2017/18 Premier League season – will allow the League to further combat the sale and use of illicit streaming devices, including pre-loaded IPTV and so-called ‘Kodi’ boxes.

A similar Order was obtained for the final two months of the 2016/17 season and was highly effective, with more than 5,000 server IP addresses blocked that had previously been streaming illegal Premier League content.

The League’s anti-piracy efforts have also contributed to a range of prominent apps and add-ons being closed down as the law catches up with them, leading to consumers who have purchased illegal pre-loaded streaming devices being out of pocket.

Speaking about the decision Premier League Director of Legal Services, Kevin Plumb, said: “This blocking Order is a game-changer in our efforts to tackle the supply and use of illicit streams of our content.

“It will allow us to quickly and effectively block and disrupt the illegal broadcast of Premier League football via any means, including so called ‘pre-loaded Kodi boxes’.

“The protection of our copyright, and the investment made by our broadcast partners, is hugely important to the Premier League and the future health of English football.

“The ability that clubs have to develop and acquire talented players, to build and improve stadiums, and to support communities and schools is all predicated on being able to market, sell and protect commercial rights. We are pleased the Courts have recognised this with the granting of this significant blocking Order.”

And a Sky spokesperson added: "We are in the middle of a significant shift in tackling this type of piracy, a fightback that is making it harder and harder for people to stream content illegally.

"Last season's action by the English Premier League had a significant impact on traffic to illegal streams of live football matches, and we welcome the decision to allow this crack down to continue in the coming season.”

In a bid to combat the growing problem of illegal streams, Sky recently revamped its entire Sports channels.

These updates mean there's now two football channels, including Sky Sports Premier League, along with stations for golf, cricket and Formula One.

Sky has also introduced more new channels called Sky Sports Action, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena which will show action from rugby, boxing, tennis and a number of other sports.

Existing customers will receive the new Sky Sports package automatically and the new channels will replace the existing line-up.

But the biggest changes are available to new customers.

For the first time, Sky Sports will now offer something for fans who do not want to sign-up for the full breadth of sports, but are only interested in a specific sport.

The new shake-up is designed to appeal to these customers, offering them the flexibility to subscribe to any individual channel package at a new price.

One channel pack will be available for just £18 per month (60p per day), two for £22 and three for £26.