DFL and DAZN secure anti-piracy victory against livetv.sx

Active for more than 13 years, livetv.sx is estimated to account for a significant majority of illegal sports streaming consumption across the DACH region. Despite its scale, longevity, and sophisticated efforts to evade enforcement through non-compliant hosting providers, content delivery networks (CDNs), and registrars, the site will now be subject to blocking measures. Further legal steps against related mirror domains are currently being assessed.

The case was pursued through the Clearingstelle Urheberrecht im Internet (CUII), Germany’s clearing body for internet piracy, with the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) and DAZN jointly contributing to the proceedings, including the provision of data and analysis to support the legal action. According to DFL and DAZN, the ruling marks a meaningful milestone in tackling large-scale, organised sports piracy in Germany.

Steffen Merkel, CEO of the DFL, said: “This decision is of great significance for the protection of rights, an area in which the Bundesliga has invested heavily and implemented comprehensive measures for many years. Consequently, we can now take more effective action than ever before against illegal streaming networks, in collaboration with international organisations such as CUII, law enforcement authorities, and our partners. We thank all parties involved for their close cooperation and determined action in this case.”

Ed McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer of DAZN Group, added: “This court decision is a turning point in the fight against content theft in Germany. Livetv.sx has operated at scale for more than a decade, undermining rights holders and the wider sports ecosystem. By working through CUII and collaborating with partners such as the DFL, DAZN is demonstrating that coordinated enforcement can deliver meaningful results. This ruling protects the value of sport and creates a fairer, more sustainable market.”

DAZN and the anti-piracy coalition Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) recently shut down illicit live sports streaming website Calcio. Discover more here.