Man Sentenced to Jail for Illegal Online Football Streaming

A man named Paul Merrell, 42, from Sutton Coldfield, has been sentenced to 12 months in jail for selling unlawful subscriptions to watch football matches online. The court hearing, which took place on Friday, revealed that Merrell had been involved in copyright crimes between 2017 and 2021.

According to the BBC report, Merrell operated under the name 'Media Maverick' and earned a significant income from illegal Premier League streams. He provided customers with online access to stream televised content, including Premier League matches, without permission from legitimate providers. This was done in exchange for a fee.

Merrell utilized Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) technology, which allows TV content to be delivered through Internet Protocol or broadband services. This technology enabled users to stream Premier League matches and other premium TV programs.

The court also learned that Merrell acted as a reseller for 'Flawless', the largest pirate service in the UK. In May, five individuals associated with 'Flawless' were sentenced to over 30 years in jail for conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and contempt of court.

Merrell's guilty verdict was the result of a joint investigation by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (Fact) and the trading standards department at the Birmingham City Council. Fact, which is paid by the Premier League to enforce its copyright, is dedicated to cracking down on copyright infringement.

Following the verdict, Fact CEO Kieran Sharp stated, 'We remain committed to protecting the rights of our partners in the audio-visual and sports industries and we will seek out and prosecute individuals involved in such criminality.'

Merrell has also been ordered to pay back £91,243 as a result of a confiscation order secured against him at Birmingham Crown Court.