Courts / Ireland / Report

UEFA secures order blocking illegal match streams

Summary

In a High Court hearing on 29 September 2020, UEFA obtained an injunction compelling several Irish internet service providers—Eircom (Eir), Sky Ireland Ltd, Sky Subscribers Services Ltd, Virgin Media Ireland Ltd, and Vodafone Ireland Ltd—to block illegal live streams of its football matches for the 2020/21 season. UEFA argued that unauthorized broadcasts of international fixtures, Champions League and Europa League games were being accessed on computers, set‑top boxes and other devices, infringing its copyright and harming its commercial interests. Judge David Barniville granted the order, noting that it was necessary, reasonably priced, and respected fundamental rights. The injunction followed similar rulings in Ireland and abroad, and was supported by the Sky companies, while other parties remained neutral. UEFA, represented by Jonathan Newman SC, cited the significant financial impact of piracy on its €2.25 bn annual revenue from broadcast rights.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: UEFA secures order blocking illegal match streams. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2020-09-29 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report