The Premier League began their crackdown against illegal streams after police raided 1,000 homes at the beginning of the year - and now they have helped jail a gang who had earned more than £7million from subscribers.
The 3pm blackout, coupled with rearranged midweek games that might not be on TV, has become an increasingly discussed topic amid the rising cost of living, coupled with the high fees customers already pay to the likes of Sky, BT Sport and Amazon Prime Video.
One man, Mark Gould, sought to seize on the clamour for more live football and provided an illegal £10-a-month subscription package that allowed fans to watch games being broadcast on paid channels. He eventually had 50,000 subscribers but the Premier League assisted with criminal proceedings as Gould was prosecuted this week.
Gould was jailed for 11 years for his role in leading the movement whilst four other members were sentenced to between three and more than five years for their involvements.
Premier League general counsel Kevin Plumb said: "Today's sentencing is the result of a long and complex prosecution of a highly sophisticated operation. The sentences handed down, which are the longest sentences ever issued for piracy-related crimes, vindicate the efforts made to bring these individuals to justice and reflect the severity and extent of the crimes.
He also added: "The Premier League's substantial financial contribution to the entire football pyramid is made possible through the ability to sell our broadcast rights.
"We are pleased that through rulings such as this, the courts continue to show that they recognise the importance of safeguarding the Premier League's rights. We will continue to protect our rights and our fans by investigating and prosecuting illegal operators at all levels."
Warning signs were sent earlier this year when police visited 1,000 homes as they sought to crackdown on the illegal streams. Customers were identified via a database with the authorities making it known that people faced prosecution if they continued.
West Mercia Police conducted the raids against illegal streaming services offering entertainment and sports via modified boxes, so-called “ fire sticks” and subscriptions. The police had joined forces with anti-piracy investigators from FACT in what was being called “Operation Raider”
The crackdown had the support of major organisations like the Premier League and the country's major broadcasters, namely Sky, BT Sport and Amazon.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has previously expressed his concern with illegal streams, claiming fans are only punishing their own clubs.
He said: “We have put many people behind bars and stopped many illegal streams. We need to work with local police and regulators to help with this and are trying to educate fans. At the end of the day, piracy becomes bad for the club they support and the sport they love.”
