French Court Takes Aim at Illegal Streaming Ahead of Football Season
The Paris court's ruling to block illegal streaming services is a significant step for French football.
Key Points
- • Paris court rules to block illegal streaming services.
- • LFP welcomes decision as key to protecting French football rights.
- • First time courts mandate DNS providers to block illegal broadcasts.
- • LFP plans to expand blocking measures against new pirate services.
On July 18, 2025, the Paris judicial court issued a significant ruling aimed at combating illegal streaming services, a move that the Ligue de football professionnelle (LFP) has heralded as a major advance in protecting the integrity of French football. The court's decision allows for preventive injunctions against illegal streaming services and mandates Domain Name System (DNS) providers to block access to these services—a first for French courts.
The LFP's response to this ruling underscored its importance, especially as it prepares for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. Crucially, this decision highlights the justice system's recognition of the ability to direct DNS providers to obstruct access to unauthorized sports broadcasts.
In a statement, the LFP declared that this ruling equips them with essential tools to safeguard their rights and to combat piracy, which they argue threatens the economic stability of French football. Additionally, the organization plans to collaborate with the Autorité de régulation de la communication audiovisuelle et numérique (Arcom) to extend blocking measures against any new illegal streaming services that may emerge during the season.