Football’s English Premier League has obtained a High Court order that will require UK internet service providers (ISPs) to block servers that are hosting illegal streams of matches.
The Premier League said the order, which will be in place for the 2017-18 season, forms part of its “biggest ever crackdown” on the illegal streaming of its content.
It is hoped the order will allow the league to combat the sale and use of illegal streaming devices such as pre-loaded IPTV and so-called ‘Kodi’ boxes.
The Premier League obtained a similar order for the final two months of the 2016-17 season. The order resulted in the blocking of more than 5,000 server IP addresses that had been illegally streaming content.
Kevin Plumb, the Premier League’s director of legal services, said: “The protection of our copyright, and the investment made by our broadcast partners, is hugely important to the Premier League and the future health of English football.
"The ability that clubs have to develop and acquire talented players, to build and improve stadiums, and to support communities and schools is all predicated on being able to market, sell and protect commercial rights.
"We are pleased the courts have recognised this with the granting of this significant blocking order."