Fans who illegally stream football through IPTV and 'dodgy sticks' sent warning as arrests made in UEFA-backed crackdown

UEFA has welcomed an anti-piracy operation that neutralised a record number of illegal streaming platforms and illegal IPTV services, with 11 subsequent arrests being made.

In recent years, the use of IPTV, Fire Sticks and other modified devices has dramatically increased due to the rising subscription costs of official rights holders such as Sky Sports and TNT Sports.

The technology allows users to illegally stream content through broadband services but for some time, the Premier League and others have partnered with authorities to launch a crackdown.

Now, it has emerged that ‘Operation Kratos’ dismantled a network of illegal streaming platforms with over 22 million users.

The anti-piracy operation, which brought together law enforcement authorities from both EU Member States and non-EU countries, was carried out last summer during a number of sporting events, including Euro 2024.

UEFA claim they took part in the operation and contributed with "timely and detailed information about illegal streams of UEFA competitions based on its extensive content protection programme which uses the latest technology available."

In total, their efforts saw 112 searches and seizures of equipment as well as 102 suspects identified, with 11 subsequent arrests.

A UEFA spokesperson has since commented on the matter.

They said: “UEFA welcomes and supports such a successful and unprecedented operation that neutralised a record number of illegal streaming platforms and illegal IPTV services.

"We would like to thank the various stakeholders involved for their ongoing efforts and the high level of cooperation in fighting digital piracy by bringing actions such as this against organised crime."

Operation Kratos was carried out last summer against the background of Euro 2024. Image credit: Getty

They added: “Financial revenue generated from media rights is vital for the well-being of both professional and amateur football. In particular, it is essential to football development and grassroots investment throughout Europe.

“The fight against the online piracy of our competitions remains a key priority for UEFA. We are committed to doing whatever is possible to stop this core threat to the revenues which underpin the European football ecosystem.”

Back in November, a 29-year-old man from Liverpool was given a custodial sentence for loading and watching illicit streams on Fire Sticks.