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LALIGA has confirmed that more than 1,600 hospitality establishments have now been convicted for illegally showing Spanish league matches. The rulings, handed down by courts across Spain, underscore that audiovisual piracy in bars and restaurants is a criminal offence. According to the organisation’s estimates, such practices cost the national football industry between 600 and 700 million euros every year.
The league has been filing criminal complaints against offending HORECA (hotel, restaurant, and café) businesses since January 2019 as part of its anti-piracy campaign. By July 2024, it had already announced 1,000 successful convictions, achieved with the help of auditors who visited venues and collected evidence of unauthorised broadcasts. Over the past year alone, that figure has grown by another 611.
To further support its efforts, the start of the 2025/26 season saw the launch of LALIGA Bares, an anonymous reporting tool. The channel allows both consumers and industry professionals to flag illegal screenings, a move aimed at protecting businesses that comply with regulations.
LALIGA also stresses that legitimate broadcasting can be a major advantage for venues. Establishments that pay for rights can see customer numbers rise by as much as 50%, while spending during televised matches can grow by up to 40%. Legal access, the league adds, helps safeguard the investments of HORECA operators, ensures compliance with broadcasting rules, and guarantees fans a seamless, high-quality experience.
Positioning itself as a leader in the global battle against audiovisual piracy, LALIGA continues to defend the rights of its member clubs. Beyond the financial harm caused to the football industry, the league warns that piracy exposes both businesses and fans to wider risks, including criminal networks and cybersecurity threats.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / obayda PH, Unsplash / Takashi Tsujii
