The Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), recognized as a leading global anti-piracy coalition that includes beIN MEDIA GROUP as a prominent participant, has revealed the dismantling of Streameast, one of the largest illegal streaming networks in existence. This operation was successfully carried out in conjunction with Egyptian officials.
“ACE achieved a significant milestone in its mission to identify, deter, and dismantle those involved in digital piracy: by taking down the largest illegal live sports streaming service worldwide,” expressed Charles Rivkin, ACE chairman and the head of the Motion Picture Association (MPA). “This pivotal step strengthens the position of sports organizations, entertainment firms, and fans globally, and our international coalition will remain active until we eradicate the most substantial piracy operations around the world.”
Streameast, which functioned through 80 interconnected domains, received over 1.6 billion visits in the last year, making it the predominant illegal live sports streaming entity globally. The platform facilitated unauthorized access to prominent European soccer leagues, including the Premier League from England, La Liga from Spain, Serie A from Italy, Bundesliga from Germany, Ligue 1 from France, and Primeira Liga from Portugal. Furthermore, it illegally streamed UEFA club competitions, including the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, along with international qualifying matches for major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro, UEFA Nations League, and CONMEBOL Copa America. Additionally, it provided access to Major League Soccer (MLS) and domestic cup competitions in the United States.
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“We commend ACE for this significant enforcement achievement. Piracy impacts numerous stakeholders and undermines the entire sports economy, affecting rights holders, leagues, athletes, and fans. This operation’s success demonstrates that with strong international solidarity and firm enforcement, no illegal network is out of reach. beIN MEDIA GROUP proudly supports ACE in the ongoing effort to pursue and eradicate criminal piracy operations wherever they may arise,” remarked Cameron Andrews, legal director, Anti-Piracy, beIN MEDIA GROUP.
Beyond soccer, Streameast offered illicit access to streams covering American sports, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. The network also featured unauthorized broadcasts of pay-per-view boxing matches, MMA events, and motorsport events such as Formula One and MotoGP.
As an active member of ACE, beIN MEDIA GROUP reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the integrity of live sports and protecting the future of the global sports and entertainment sectors, in collaboration with rights holders, leagues, and governments around the world.