June 14, 2024, 10:55 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Many people will stream the Euro 2024. However, the EU advises doing so legally.
Today, June 14, 2024, marks the start of the UEFA European Football Championship for men, one of the year’s major sporting events. This will not only draw numerous people to the stadiums but also even more to their home screens–and many will stream Euro 2024. The EU now advises that this should be done legally whenever possible.
So Many People Could Illegally Stream Euro 2024
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) recently released a new statement on its website, informing about potential consequences for fans who might want to stream Euro 2024 illegally.
The EU agency refers to two self-conducted studies. They reveal that 58 percent of all sports broadcast piracy occurs via streaming, and 32 percent via downloads. Twelve percent of all citizens within the European Union resort to such illegal means.
In the age group of 15 to 24 years, it’s even 27 percent. In Bulgaria, young people seem particularly inclined to save on official access: 47 percent of respondents there admitted to watching illegally.
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Those Who Illegally Stream Euro 2024 Harm the Sport
According to their own statements, millions of EU citizens illegally access sports content, posing a “substantial threat” to sports financing.
With regard not only to Euro 2024 but to major sporting events in general (the Olympic Games also take place this year), the EUIPO states that criminals earn an annual total revenue of one billion euros solely from media piracy. This money is then missing elsewhere to finance sports associations and ultimately the athletes.
As João Negrão, Executive Director of the EUIPO, explains, it is therefore very important to rely on legal products and offers, because it’s not just about money, but about the future of sports itself: “By watching official broadcasts and purchasing licensed products, we ensure the continuation of our beloved sports for future generations.”
Initiatives Against Illegal Streaming of Sporting Events
Among other things, with a video, the EUIPO appeals to sports fans to support their sports idols through legal means. This includes buying official fan merchandise and watching through official channels. Only in this way can one give something back to the sport.
If you’re also unsure whether you’re on a legal platform online, you can use the online tool Agorateka. This is intended to provide guidance and help avoid falling for illegal offers.
Furthermore, EU member states are already taking action against online piracy with regulations and technologies. Additionally, the EUIPO recommends establishing a special network of national administrative authorities as an additional measure.