Spain starts doling out big fines to pirate TV viewers

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Sports fans in Spain watching football on illegal platforms are being slapped with 450 euro fines

Football fans in Spain are facing a hefty price tag for watching LaLiga games on pirate platforms. The Spanish government has started doling out fines of more than 450 euros to those caught watching matches on illegal platforms, and it seems to be having an impact.

According to LaLiga president Javier Tebas, a “large number of fans” have already agreed to pay the fines and stop pirating games. This is a significant development in the fight against piracy, which has been costing LaLiga an estimated 700 million euros per year.

Tebas, who recently spoke to Forbes magazine at the United Nations General Assembly, emphasised the importance of addressing this issue. Piracy is a complex problem that requires complex regulation, he said, and this is a crucial step in tackling the losses.

The fines are specifically targeted at the local market, where losses are estimated to be around 300 million euros per year. This is nearly half of the total losses accrued across Europe, highlighting the severity of the problem in Spain.

The 450.16 euro fine may seem like a lot, but it’s a small price to pay compared to the potential cost to LaLiga. The organisation has been working tirelessly to combat piracy, and it seems that their efforts are finally paying off.

While it’s too early to say whether the fines will completely eradicate piracy, it’s clear that this is a step in the right direction.

More and more customers are signing up for pirate IPTV services for a significantly reduced price, usually a yearly fee, in addition to a wide range of channels offered. But if households unwittingly choose an illicit provider, they could now face huge fines.

Image: Telecable