Premier League Warns Thai Fans of Illegal Streaming Dangers
The Premier League has launched its Boot Out Piracy campaign in Thailand, partnering with Jasmine International and star players to warn fans about the serious cybersecurity risks of illegal streaming. A new study shows pirate sites are far more likely to host phishing, malware, and fraud, with illegal streams often run by organized cyber‑criminal networks. The initiative coincides with increased Thai enforcement, such as Operation LION STRIKE, to curb unlawful streaming and promote legal viewing.
The Premier League’s Boot Out Piracy initiative aims to educate Thai football fans about the hazards of using unlawful streaming platforms. Working with Jasmine International (JAS), the league’s official broadcast partner in Thailand, the campaign stars prominent players such as Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Manchester United forward Bryan Mbuemo, and Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze, who appear in warning videos detailing real‑world threats like phishing attacks, malware, personal data theft, and financial fraud.
A recent independent study by cybersecurity expert Professor Paul Watters reveals that illegal streaming websites are, on average, 17.3 times riskier than legitimate sites. The research found that 66% of the assessed pirate sites fall into high‑ or critical‑risk categories, over half (54%) exhibit suspicious activity linked to phishing or fraud, and 44% expose users to malicious advertisements that can lead to scams. These findings underscore that such services are often run by organized cyber‑criminal networks, putting consumers at risk of fraud, data breaches, account hijacking, and malware infections.
Stefan Sergot, Head of Legal and Enforcement for the Premier League’s Asia‑Pacific region, said, “Watching illegal streams may seem harmless and free, but growing evidence shows these services expose users to fraud, data theft, malware, and other online threats. The Boot Out Piracy campaign helps fans understand these dangers and encourages them to watch matches legally and safely through authorized providers.” He added that the league will continue working with rights‑holding partners, social‑media platforms, and law‑enforcement agencies to combat illegal streaming.
The campaign coincides with heightened enforcement actions in Thailand, including the recent Operation LION STRIKE conducted by the Department of Special Investigation in September 2026, which targeted both individual pirate websites and the broader networks that facilitate illegal streaming.
