.png)
UEFA has strengthened its global campaign against illegal streaming by joining two prominent anti-piracy organisations, marking another significant expansion of its content protection strategy.
The governing body confirmed it has become a member of the Coalition Against Piracy (CAP), the enforcement arm of the Asia Video Industry Association (AVIA). The move follows UEFA’s recent partnership with the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) and signals a renewed push to protect its broadcast partners and media rights holders in the Asia-Pacific region, an area where illegal streaming remains widespread.
UEFA said its CAP membership represents “a significant step forward” in tackling piracy in a region where audio-visual infringement presents persistent and complex challenges. CAP brings together major media and sports rights holders to coordinate enforcement actions, develop site-blocking initiatives, and work with governments, intermediaries and experts to counter illegal streaming networks.
UEFA joined CAP after a successful trial collaboration, which included website-blocking operations during the UEFA Champions League final in both Malaysia and Indonesia. Those measures have since continued throughout the current season, prompting UEFA to formalise the partnership.
In a separate development, UEFA announced it has also joined CUII, the German Clearing House for Copyright Infringement on the Internet. The independent body includes broadcasters, sports organisations, film, music and gaming rights holders, along with Germany’s major internet service providers. CUII supports the implementation and enforcement of website-blocking orders and works to strengthen the legal framework governing copyright protection in Germany.
UEFA said joining CUII ensures it “remains at the forefront of anti-piracy initiatives in Germany” and reinforces its long-term commitment to safeguarding media rights in one of Europe’s key broadcast markets.
Both partnerships form part of UEFA’s wider drive to build what it describes as an “industry-leading anti-piracy programme”, designed to protect revenues that support competitions, member associations and grassroots football across Europe. The organisation also recently reaffirmed its cooperation with Europol to better coordinate enforcement against illegal content distribution.
UEFA said that working across a broad network of international organisations is vital to “safeguard media rights revenues that support football development and grassroots initiatives” throughout the sport’s ecosystem.
Featured Image Credit: UEFA.com, Pexels / JESHOOTS.com
