Javier Tebas (foto: Getty Images)
La Liga partners with Fastly to detect and remove illegal streams in real time, aiming to cut massive financial losses caused by piracy worldwide.
La Liga continues its aggressive campaign against illegal streaming, taking a major step forward with new technology designed to shut down pirated broadcasts in real time.
The Spanish league has announced a partnership with Fastly, whose system enables rapid detection and removal of unauthorized content across the web.
A study by Grant Thornton highlights the scale of the problem. In 2024, around 10.8 million illegal streams were detected, yet 81% remained active. Only 2.7% were blocked within the first 30 minutes.
To change this, La Liga and Fastly developed an intelligent system that identifies illegal streams almost instantly.
The logic is simple. The faster a stream is detected, the faster it is removed. Platforms hosting illegal content will be able to act before viewers even access the stream.
La Liga is fighting hard against fraud
Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, has long led the fight against piracy, stressing its impact on Spanish football.
“We have managed to reduce the piracy of our broadcasts in Spain by 60% in the 2024/25 season thanks to a comprehensive strategy that focuses on legal, educational and technological measures,” he said.
Millions also watch streams globally
This partnership forms part of a broader global effort. La Liga has also teamed up with the Bitkernel Group, DirecTV Latin America, and Sky Brazil to tackle piracy beyond Spain.
The objective is clear, remove illegal platforms and pursue legal action against those responsible.
The financial impact remains severe. La Liga estimates clubs lose between 600 and 700 million euros per season due to piracy, money that could support transfers and infrastructure.
With new tools in place, the league aims to reduce illegal viewing significantly, although the ongoing battle with resourceful “pirates” continues.