The US Department of Justice has announced the takedown or blocking of almost 3,000 websites engaged in illegal World Cup streaming. The action represents a significant escalation from earlier enforcement efforts that had resulted in 400 webpage removals at the end of last month.
More than 1,000 domains were targeted in the United States alone, while a comparable number were blocked in Colombia. Additional enforcement actions extended to South American nations, with approximately 830 websites taken down across Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. The coordinated effort involved federal agencies in the United States, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, working alongside enforcement authorities throughout South America under operations designated “offsides” and “red card.”
Official statements emphasized that unauthorized broadcasting of World Cup matches constitutes intellectual property rights violations and supports criminal enterprises. The crackdown received support from FIFA, multiple media organizations including NBC Universal and beIN Media Group, as well as the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment, which combats digital piracy. The coalition noted that major global sporting events attract rapid exploitation by piracy networks.
Enforcement actions extended beyond streaming suppression. Colombian authorities conducted search-and-seizure operations targeting counterfeit sports merchandise, resulting in the arrest and conviction of 11 individuals involved in the illegal manufacture and distribution of fake sporting goods. Additionally, four members of a group identified as Los Ciberinfiltrados were arrested in connection with illegally obtaining and distributing World Cup game access.
The enforcement initiative reflects ongoing concerns about sports piracy’s financial impact. Industry analysts have noted that unauthorized streaming occurs at an industrial scale, with companies and broadcasters estimating annual losses in the billions of dollars. The substantial costs associated with broadcasting rights acquisition have resulted in increased subscription fees for consumers, prompting some fans to seek illegal streaming alternatives.
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