The FA Premier League is threatening to take internet pirates to
court over an emerging scheme to stream live football games over
the internet, in breach of the League's copyright in the footage,
according to the BBC.
The problem relates to the current broadcasting rights deal
negotiated by the League, which reflects the League's desire to
protect game attendance levels. Accordingly, broadcasters are not
allowed to show Saturday matches live in the UK. They are instead
shown as highlights or broadcast in full later.
However, the League did permit games to be broadcast live in
other parts of the world. Unfortunately, fraudsters are streaming
this live footage back to the UK, where it can be watched on-line
at little cost.
According to the BBC, the League has been in touch with many of
the web sites involved, threatening legal action. While many sites
have closed down, the League is now apparently deciding whether it
would be worth making an example of one, by suing.
