Streaming service Sportflix disappears as FOX announces lawsuit

The so-called Netflix of sports Sportflix has disappeared from the social media sphere in which it was so active a couple of weeks ago, while it is under investigation for alleged piracy.

Since last week, Mexico’s Instituto de Propiedad Industrial (IMPI) has been investigating the over-the-top (OTT) platform because part of the content it announced belongs exclusively to other broadcasters and there are suspicions about Sportflix’s legality.

Now, FOX Sports has said that it is going to issue a formal lawsuit against Sportflix once the investigation is over.

In an interview with the Mexican daily paper El Financiero, Carlos Martínez, president of FOX Networks Group Latin America, said the company is preparing the lawsuit together with other industry leaders such as Televisa, ESPN and Turner.

Martínez also confirmed that the rights owners who have spoken out so far (Formula One, Liga MX and UEFA) have confirmed that they have no agreements in place with Sportflix.

In the meantime, the service, which was set to launch on 30 August, has published a short note on its website explaining a delay due to external procedures that have to be carried out. It has blocked its Twitter and Instagram account and cancelled its Facebook page.