Premier League Fans Warned: Illegal Streaming Crackdown Sends Two Brothers to Jail
The Premier League is back, and so are the millions of fans tuning in to watch their favorite teams battle it out on the pitch. But with the cost of subscriptions to the various broadcasters skyrocketing, it’s no surprise that the number of people watching games via illegal streams has increased. However, authorities are cracking down on this illegal activity, and two brothers have just received huge jail sentences for providing access to premium paid-for content.
Amir Butt, 56, and Ammar Hussain, 39, were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud between August 2012 to March 2019. They sold subscriptions to viewers, giving them illegal access to premium paid-for sports, entertainment, and movies from providers like Sky. After making hundreds of thousands of pounds, the brothers were caught out by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), who have been working alongside UK police to bring illegal streamers to court.
Hussain was sentenced to four years in jail, while Butt received a seven-year sentence after failing to show up at court. Responding to the news, Sky’s Director of Anti-Piracy, Matt Hibbert, said: "Today’s sentencing highlights the significant consequences for those that get involved in illegally streaming content. We are grateful to FACT and to London Borough of Redbridge Trading Standards for their assistance in tackling what was a brazen illegal streaming operation."
Kieron Sharp, CEO of FACT, added that he hoped the case would act as a deterrent to anyone considering illegal streaming. "This was a lengthy and thorough investigation which required the attention of FACT, Sky, Trading Standards and the police to produce the physical and digital evidence needed to prosecute the offenders," he said. "This verdict is both a punishment to the two men committing these criminal acts and a deterrent to others who are engaged in similar activities."
The crackdown on illegal streaming is a welcome move, and it’s essential that fans understand the consequences of pirating content. Not only is it illegal, but it also undermines the hard work and dedication of the players, coaches, and staff who work tirelessly to bring us the beautiful game.
So, if you’re planning on watching the Premier League this season, make sure you’re doing it legally. Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates on the latest news and trends in the world of football.