A coordinated international crackdown has resulted in the removal of nearly 3,000 websites found to be illegally streaming World Cup matches. The operation, which involved authorities in the United States and several South American nations, targeted digital platforms that infringed upon intellectual property rights.
U.S. officials reported that over 1,000 domains were shut down domestically, while a comparable number were blocked in Colombia. Additional enforcement actions led to the closure of 830 websites across Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. These efforts, conducted under the banners of "Operation Offsides" and "Operation Red Card," were spearheaded by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (NIPRCC).
Ivan J. Arvelo of the NIPRCC stated that the unauthorized distribution of these matches not only violates legal protections but also serves to support criminal organizations. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva emphasized that the seizures reflect a broader commitment to protecting intellectual property and ensuring the integrity of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The initiative received support from various stakeholders, including FIFA, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), and several major media groups. ACE chairman Charles Rivkin noted that high-profile global events are frequently targeted by piracy networks.
Beyond digital streaming, Colombian authorities expanded their enforcement to include the physical sale of illicit goods. Officials reported the arrest and conviction of 11 individuals involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit sports apparel. Furthermore, Colombian law enforcement arrested four members of a group identified as "Los Ciberinfiltrados" for their alleged role in the illegal distribution of match access.
Source: BBC News
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