As the 2024/25 Premier League season continues, the Premier League, in partnership with StarHub, Singapore’s exclusive broadcaster, has launched the ‘Boot Out Piracy’ campaign. This initiative aims to educate Singaporean football fans on the risks associated with illegal streaming and to curb unauthorised access to Premier League matches.
Top players, including Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan, and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, are at the forefront of the campaign. Through a series of video messages shared on digital platforms, these players warn Singaporean fans about the risks of accessing Premier League content from unauthorised channels, such as identity theft and cyber fraud.
Cybersecurity risks in illegal streaming
A recent study led by cybersecurity expert Professor Paul Watters has revealed that pirated sports streams pose serious online threats to users. Watters’ research, which evaluated 25 illegal sports streaming sites in Singapore, shows that these platforms often harbour malware, harmful advertisements, and hijacking attempts by cybercriminals. According to the findings from August 2024, about 65.6% of ads on these sites were high-risk, increasing users’ exposure to potential scams or cyber attacks. The study also noted a 44% chance of encountering malicious activity, such as browser hijacking and phishing scams, on these illegal streaming sites.
Professor Watters said, “The research findings underscore the urgent need for online users to stay vigilant and avoid platforms that stream pirated content. Users may be under the impression that these sites are harmless, but cybercriminals are always planning to launch cyberattacks such as data breaches, ransomware and malware, putting users at significant risks. The Premier League’s Boot Out Piracy campaign helps make these risks clear to fans in Singapore.”
Premier League’s collaboration with Singaporean authorities
Premier League General Counsel Kevin Plumb spoke on the League’s commitment to ensuring safe viewing experiences. “We know how passionate our fans are in Singapore and across Asia, staying up late to follow the latest Premier League action. We also know the risks and dangers of watching matches through illegal streams and want supporters to enjoy Premier League content in the best quality and safest way through authorised sources,” Plumb stated.
In Singapore, the Premier League is actively partnering with StarHub and local law enforcement agencies to track down and shut down illegal streaming operations. This collaboration includes targeting piracy syndicates and halting the distribution of unauthorised streaming devices. Plumb added, “As well as promoting important messaging, we are working harder than ever with Singapore’s law enforcement authorities and our partners at StarHub to enforce legal measures and take action against piracy.” These combined efforts have led to the blocking of over 560 websites streaming illegal Premier League content in Singapore.
StarHub’s dedication to protecting content
As the Premier League’s broadcast partner, StarHub has a crucial role in the anti-piracy campaign. Johan Buse, Chief of Consumer Business Group at StarHub, emphasised the company’s dedication to protecting content and ensuring a safe viewing environment. “As the Home of Sports, StarHub is dedicated to providing fans with the best possible viewing experience. We firmly believe in the importance of protecting our content from piracy,” Buse said. “Piracy undermines our industry and threatens the future of sports content. By prioritising content protection, we ensure that fans can enjoy their favourite sport in a safe, secure environment. StarHub is proud to support Premier League’s ‘Boot Out Piracy’ campaign, and we are committed to fostering a vibrant sports community where every moment is valued and celebrated. Together, we urge fans to enjoy the game through legitimate channels, safeguarding the future of football for everyone.”
The Premier League and StarHub’s intensified efforts against piracy come after a recent case in Singapore where a man was sentenced to 10 months in jail for selling illegal streaming devices at Sim Lim Square. The Premier League collaborated with the Singapore Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Intellectual Property Rights Branch of the Singapore Police Force in the investigation, demonstrating their commitment to addressing piracy comprehensively.
The ‘Boot Out Piracy’ campaign will also be promoted through social media and broadcast channels in other regional markets, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. By expanding the campaign, the Premier League and StarHub aim to educate fans and spread awareness about the dangers of illegal streaming, fostering a safe and high-quality viewing experience across Southeast Asia.
