It’s been reported this morning that users of dodgy Firesticks are facing a clampdown, with Lincolnshire one of the areas being targeted.
Some Imps supporters watch matches on their Firesticks, which, at a base level, is stealing from the football club. Watching on a Firestick takes revenue away from the club, whereas watching on a VPN may navigate around the 3 pm blackout rule, but you’re still paying for the product, money which goes to the club.
It’s always fascinated me that staunch supporters, eager to see us get success, are happy to watch for free on a irestick, but lose their minds when someone is caught stealing from the club.
FLW are reporting this morning that police across the UK have launched a major operation targeting the illegal use of Firesticks to stream live football matches. The crackdown, coordinated across 15 regions including London, Kent, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and the West Midlands, marks a shift in focus from those selling modified devices to the individuals using them. Notably, Lincolnshire is also one of the areas facing a Firestick clampdown.
The operation is supported by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), whose chief executive, Kieron Sharp, warned that cease-and-desist letters sent to offenders are “the first step toward holding offenders accountable.” Users can be traced through their IP addresses, and while these letters are not legally binding, they serve as a clear warning that further legal action could follow.
Fully loaded Firesticks allow users to bypass subscription fees for broadcasters such as Sky Sports or TNT Sports, accessing streams of matches for free. They also used to allow access to streams on iFollow, and are still used to watch Lincoln City games for free. Police and rights holders have already secured convictions against those selling such devices, uncovering links to organised crime. However, this latest initiative represents the first widespread attempt to pursue end users directly.
The motivation behind the campaign is financial as much as legal. Broadcasters invest heavily in TV rights, which are vital to the financial stability of clubs across the football pyramid. If subscriber numbers fall due to illegal streaming, the value of future TV deals will likely decline, reducing revenue for both leagues and clubs.
Be aware, the threat of prosecution is there. In 2021, two men, Paul Faulkner and Stephen Millington, were jailed for a combined total of 16 months after being caught accessing unauthorised broadcasts.
Although the authorities know the problem cannot be completely eradicated, the move is designed to send a strong message that illegal streaming has real consequences. With Amazon’s next generation of Firesticks expected to block side-loaded apps, enforcement agencies and football’s governing bodies hope the combination of technology and deterrence will curb a growing problem that threatens the game’s economic structure.