How to recognise a pirate stream
Quick answer: if the site doesn't say who owns it, changes domain every few weeks, fills the screen with ads and doesn't appear on the country's official list of broadcasters, it probably has no licence. These signs are not proof on their own, but together they describe the usual model. Watching it isn't free: you pay with your data and with risk.
The warning signs
If the site doesn't say who owns it, changes domain every few weeks, fills the screen with ads and doesn't appear on the country's list of broadcasters, it probably has no licence. Watching it isn't free: you pay with your data and with risk.
These signs are not definitive proof, but together they describe the usual model of unlicensed link sites.
What to look at
Signs of a licensed site versus an unlicensed one
What the risks are
- Redirects to downloads or fake forms.
- Malicious advertising and unwanted extensions.
- Exposure of personal data with no clear responsible party.
- Quality and continuity not guaranteed.
What to do
Close the page and look for the official broadcaster. If you don't know which one it is, start with the country page and then the competition page. A legal route almost always exists, even if it is sometimes only for the highlights.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a stream is pirated?
Warning signs: there is no identifiable owner, the domain changes, the advertising is aggressive and the site doesn't appear on the country's list of broadcasters. No single sign is proof on its own, but together they describe the model.
Is watching a pirated stream illegal?
Watching an unlicensed broadcast is not legal in most countries, even if a third party publishes the link. The legal position of the link is different from that of the viewer, but it does not authorise the broadcast.
Can I catch a virus?
Simply visiting is usually not enough to infect an up-to-date device, but redirects and fake download buttons can lead to unwanted software.
Does an ad blocker protect me?
It reduces your exposure to malicious advertising, but it does not eliminate the risk or change the legality of the broadcast.
Where is the official broadcaster?
On the country page and on the competition page. If there is no local owner, the event may not be legally available.
What should I do if the official site isn't working?
Check whether another broadcaster holds the rights, or wait for the highlights. Don't turn to an unlicensed site because of a one-off outage.