DFL managing director pats himself on the back for copyright protection, misses the point by cracking down on digital piracy
DFL managing director Steffen Merkel has criticized digital piracy of football broadcasts, emphasizing the risks to users who access illegal streams. However, the growing cost of official subscriptions, with fans needing multiple services to watch all matches, has driven many to piracy. The DFL's focus on enforcement overlooks the affordability issues at the heart of the problem.
- ▪DAZN's Bundesliga subscription costs 44.99 Euros per month, with no added services despite a 200% price increase.
- ▪German fans must subscribe to DAZN, EURO Sport, Paramount Plus, and Netflix to watch all major football competitions.
- ▪Starting in 2027, Paramount Plus will hold Champions League rights in Germany but will not stream the final, which Netflix will exclusively broadcast.
- ▪Steffen Merkel, DFL managing director, condemned digital piracy, warning of malware and financial risks to users.
- ▪The DFL is increasing investments to combat illegal streaming, despite rising public frustration over subscription costs.
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