Stop Piracy: How the Piracy Shield Protects the Future of Football
Illegal streaming continues to threaten the economic sustainability of football and sports in general. During the ‘#Stopiracy‘ panel held at the Stadio Olimpico as part of the SFS event, moderated by DAZN journalist Giusy Meloni, experts and institutional representatives analyzed the challenges and solutions to tackle the phenomenon. Among the panel’s guests: Antonio Amati (IT General Manager at Almaviva), Gaetano Cutarelli (Colonel, Guardia di Finanza), Romano Righetti (General Counsel, DAZN Italia), Massimiliano Capitanio (Commissioner, AGCOM), and Luigi De Siervo (CEO, Lega Serie A).
Digital piracy causes significant damage every year, as highlighted by De Siervo: “For Serie A alone, the damage amounts to €300 million annually. We live in a country where there is no perception of how much this phenomenon creates a systemic criminal mechanism”. It is estimated that 3.6 million people are steadily subscribed to illegal IPTV services, an alarming number that is challenging to curb.
Among the solutions presented, the Piracy Shield is a key tool developed by Lega Serie A in collaboration with AGCOM. This system has blocked over 30,000 illegal websites in the past ten months. “Thanks to advanced technologies and the use of artificial intelligence, we can detect and block illegal streams in real-time“, explained Antonio Amati. However, participants emphasized the importance of educating the public about the damage caused by piracy. Raising awareness, particularly about the cultural roots of the issue, would be the first effective step in preventing the phenomenon. Among the proposals, the introduction of a “digital license” in schools was suggested to educate younger generations about copyright and respect for intellectual property.
The panel concluded with an optimistic message, emphasizing that the actions taken so far outline a solid and effective model for combating criminal activities. The fight against digital piracy is not just a legal issue but requires a collective commitment from institutions, broadcasters, and citizens. Each illegal stream is not only an economic loss but a gesture that jeopardizes the future of football and its ecosystem. Today, the role of fans is to support football legally, ensuring the future of the sport we all love.