The Spanish football league has intensified its war on piracy by introducing a direct financial incentive for fans. Under the new “Protection of Legal Football” initiative, La Liga will pay a 50 Euro reward to individuals who report bars, restaurants, or hotels broadcasting matches through illegal streams.

A Bounty System Against Audio-Visual Piracy

Led by President Javier Tebas, La Liga is now turning spectators into active allies. The program specifically targets commercial venues using unauthorized services—often referred to as “pezzotto”—to avoid paying official broadcasting licenses.

To qualify for the 50 Euro payment, whistleblowers must follow a specific protocol:

• Report Submission: Providing exact details and location of the infringing venue.
• Official Audit: La Liga conducting a technical verification to confirm the lack of a legal subscription.
• Incentive Payout: Transferring the reward once the illegal activity is legally documented.

Protecting the Financial Future of Spanish Clubs

Javier Tebas has reiterated that piracy is an “existential threat” that strips hundreds of millions of euros from the sport each year. This revenue is vital for the league’s infrastructure and the growth of its clubs. For instance, Real Madrid continues to maximize legal revenue streams through its stadium renovations, including its 261 luxury suites, but the league argues that systemic piracy undermines the value of these investments for all teams.

In addition to the reporting program, La Liga is utilizing advanced AI software to track and shut down illegal digital streams in real-time, while warning users of the cybersecurity risks associated with pirate platforms.