La Liga is turning football fans into “piracy hunters.” On Wednesday, the Spanish league announced a new initiative that pays fans 50 euros ($60) for reporting venues that show matches illegally.
The “reward plan” aims to stop the unauthorized streaming of games in bars, restaurants, and betting shops. By involving the public, La Liga hopes to protect businesses that pay for legal broadcasting licenses.
How the Reward Program Works
Participating in the program is straightforward. La Liga has provided specific guidelines to help fans distinguish between legal and illegal broadcasts.
To claim the reward, users must follow these steps:
- Identify: Spot a venue showing a La Liga match via an unauthorized stream or broadcast.
- Document: Take clear photos of the illegal broadcast as evidence.
- Submit: Upload the proof to a dedicated La Liga website.
- Verify: Wait for the league to analyze and confirm the validity of the report.
- Payout: Once the claim is verified, the user receives the 50 euro “thank you” payment.
A “War on Piracy” to Protect the Ecosystem
La Liga President Javier Tebas has long been a vocal critic of digital piracy. He estimates that illegal streaming costs the football industry hundreds of millions of euros every year.
“Piracy harms the entire football ecosystem,” Tebas stated. “Especially bars, restaurants, and betting shops that comply with the law.”
He further emphasized that the reporting process is designed to be easy, secure, and confidential. Consequently, fans can report violations without fearing for their privacy.
Why This Matters for Spanish Football
In recent years, the league has taken an increasingly aggressive stance against piracy. This new “bounty” system represents a shift toward “responsible collaboration” with consumers. By incentivizing fans to act, La Liga aims to double down on enforcement while rewarding those who support the legal market.
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