BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Just ahead of the Bayern Munich vs. Paris Saint-Germain fixture, DAZN, in collaboration with the German Football League (DFL), has delivered a significant blow to pay-TV piracy. Following a court ruling, the website 'livetv.sx'—described in a statement as 'the largest illegal sports streaming platform in Germany'—must be blocked. Other pay-TV providers such as Sky, MagentaTV, and RTL+ are also set to benefit from the move.
DAZN and the DFL reported a 'significant legal success in the fight against content theft'. The ruling is seen as a major 'milestone in the crackdown on large-scale, organized sports piracy in Germany'. DAZN characterized the judgment as a clear signal to the 'piracy scene: organized content theft will be rigorously prosecuted in Germany'.
Further legal action under review
According to the statement, the website had been 'active for more than 13 years and is estimated to account for a substantial share of illegal sports streaming consumption across the entire DACH region'. 'livetv.sx' is now subject to blocking measures.
The enforcement follows a ruling by the Cologne Regional Court, according to DAZN and the DFL. 'Further legal steps against associated affiliates are currently being reviewed', the broadcaster and the league stated.
The pirate site offered access to Champions League and Bundesliga matches, among others, without requiring a standard subscription from pay-TV providers. DAZN and the DFL intend to continue investing in legal, technical, and cross-industry measures to combat piracy./mrs/DP/zb
