Pirating the World Cup? Multichoice vows to take action
Springboks fan or not: Multichoice has consulted with Interpol to catch viewers who illegally stream the Rugby World Cup.,,
If you’re one of many Rugby World Cup viewers illegally streaming the tournament – including Springboks games – you could be in trouble with Multichoice.
The broadcaster, which has exclusive rights to broadcast the event via its SuperSport channels, has warned about pursuing and prosecuting all guilty parties.
The RWC is currently underway in France and will take place until 28 October.
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MULTICHOICE VOWS TO CRACK DOWN ON PIRACY
In an interview with Cape Talk, Legal Head of Supersport Multichoice Phil Leavesley revealed the broadcaster’s plan to crack down on piracy.
According to Leavesly, the company actively seeks companies that provide illegal streaming services to viewers via a VPN.
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He said: “We’re looking more to organised crime, entities who will offer VPN that is bundled with illegal streaming content. There are many of them.
Leavesly added that Multichoice had even roped in authorities.
He added: “We cooperate with many entities around the world… anti-piracy providers…INTERPOL…to identify and monitor these organised criminal arrangements”.
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RUGBY WORLD CUP: HOW CAN YOU LEGALLY WATCH?
If you want to watch Rugby World Cup matches in South Africa, you currently have two options: via Multichoice and the SABC.
SuperSport has the broadcasting rights to air all 48 tournament matches, build-up, and behind-the-scenes action.
Last week, Multichoice granted the SABC a sub-licensing deal to air 16 matches or one-third of the games. These can be watched on the SABC 2 channel or streamed via the SABC Plus website and app.
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According to the statement, SABC will air “a total of 16 matches, including the opening ceremony and opening match, all matches that the Springboks participate in, two quarterfinal matches, one semifinal, the bronze final, the final and the closing ceremony”.
The Springboks will play their second match in the Rugby World Cup against Romania.on Sunday, 17 September.
Other national team fixtures include:
- SA vs Ireland on 23 September
- Tonga vs SA on 1 October