Mitihoon – The latest edition of the Premier League’s Boot Out Piracy campaign is launching in Thailand to raise awareness among football fans about the significant cybersecurity risks associated with illegal streaming services.
Launched in collaboration with local broadcast partner Jasmine International Public Company Limited (JAS), the campaign is fronted by Premier League players including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Manchester United forward Bryan Mbuemo and Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze. They star in videos explaining the real-world dangers of illegal streaming, from phishing scams and malware to identity theft and financial fraud.
Although piracy is often seen mainly as a copyright issue, new independent research conducted by cybersecurity expert Professor Paul Watters highlights the significant risks consumers face when using illegal streaming services. The study found:
- Piracy websites are, on average, 17.3 times riskier than mainstream websites.
- 66% of sites assessed are classified as presenting significant or critical cyber risk.
- More than half (54%) were flagged for suspicious activity associated with scams, phishing or malicious behaviour.
- Nearly half of piracy websites (44%) exposed users to harmful advertising and scam pathways, creating opportunities for cybercriminals to target consumers.
The findings reinforce that illegal streaming services are commonly operated by organised cybercriminal networks, and that using pirate services can expose consumers to serious real-world harms, including fraud, identity theft, account compromise and malware infections.
Premier League Director of Legal – Enforcement, Stefan Sergot said: “Illegal streaming may seem like a free and harmless way to watch football, but research increasingly shows that pirate services expose users to a range of dangers, including fraud, identity theft, malware and other online threats.
“Through Boot Out Piracy, we want to help fans understand those risks and encourage them to enjoy Premier League football safely, in the best quality, through legitimate services.
“We will continue working with our broadcast partners, social media platforms and enforcement authorities to tackle illegal streaming services, while ensuring fans understand what can sit behind pirate streams.”
The campaign comes as law enforcement increasingly targets not only individual pirate websites, but the networks and services that enable illegal streaming.
In Thailand, recent enforcement action includes Operation LION STRIKE in September 2026, where the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), working with the Premier League and industry partners, dismantled the DOOPENTEAM and BaygonHero piracy networks, which were illegally distributing Premier League matches and other sports content, with four suspects arrested.
This was followed by Operation VAR, which saw Thai authorities dismantle two further illegal football streaming networks and arrest four suspects for operating sites that pirated Premier League and other football broadcasts while promoting online gambling. Together, these actions demonstrate Thailand’s increasing efforts to disrupt organised piracy networks and protect legitimate sports broadcasting rights.
Dr. Soraj Asavaprapha, Chief Executive Officer of Jasmine International Public Company Limited (JAS): “Premier League football has a special place among Thai fans, who come together every week to follow their favourite clubs and players. We want fans across Thailand to enjoy that experience through services that are safe, reliable and legitimate. Illegal streaming is not only about broadcasting rights – unverified websites, applications and services can also expose viewers to security and other online risks. As an official broadcaster of the Premier League in Thailand, JAS is committed to working closely with the Premier League and our partners to tackle piracy, protect Thai viewers and ensure fans can enjoy the excitement of Premier League football through trusted and legitimate platforms.”
Could your “free” stream be putting you at risk?
Boot Out Piracy is encouraging fans to look out for common warning signs associated with illegal streaming services, including:
- Unverified downloads – Requests to install an unfamiliar application, software or browser extension.
- Suspicious offers – “Free” or unusually cheap access to content that seems too good to be true.
- Requests for sensitive information – Requests for passwords, payment details or other personal information.
- Unexpected redirects and pop-ups – Websites that redirect users or generate pop-ups and links.
Fans in Thailand are encouraged to watch Premier League football through official broadcast partner JAS or via the new direct-to-fan service Premier League +, which was launched at the start of the season.
The Boot Out Piracy campaign will be showcased across broadcast channels and social media platforms in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam in the upcoming months, supported by the Premier League’s broadcast partners, authorities and other stakeholders.
The campaign forms part of the Premier League’s wider activity to combat piracy, which has been running for 20 years and helps supporters around the world enjoy Premier League football through legitimate channels.
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