MADRID, Feb 17 (Geokhub) — Spain’s top football division has intensified its fight against illegal match streaming after securing a decisive court ruling that compels major virtual private network (VPN) providers to restrict access to websites accused of broadcasting LaLiga games without authorization.
The Spanish league, working alongside broadcasting partner Telefónica, obtained a judicial order requiring VPN services including NordVPN and Proton VPN to block 16 domains allegedly involved in piracy. The decision obliges the companies to prevent Spanish users from accessing specific IP addresses tied to the disputed websites.
According to the ruling, VPN providers are considered “technological intermediaries” under European digital regulations and therefore have a responsibility to ensure their infrastructure is not used to facilitate copyright violations.
Why the Decision Matters
VPNs are widely used tools that encrypt internet traffic and conceal a user’s IP address, helping protect privacy and enhance online security. However, rights holders argue that the same technology can also enable users to bypass regional broadcasting restrictions and access illegal streams.
The court’s order was issued urgently and without prior hearings involving all parties — a legal procedure used when immediate action is deemed necessary to prevent further damage. The rulings are final and cannot be appealed.
In response, representatives from NordVPN and Proton VPN stated they were unaware of the legal proceedings before reports emerged in the media. Both companies expressed concern over being excluded from the process and emphasized the broader implications such rulings could have for internet infrastructure and digital rights.
A spokesperson for NordVPN argued that domain blocking is unlikely to eliminate piracy entirely, noting that operators of illegal sites can quickly shift to alternative domains or subdomains to continue operating.
LaLiga’s Broader Anti-Piracy Campaign
The latest court victory is part of a wider campaign by LaLiga to protect broadcast rights and revenue streams. Illegal streaming remains a persistent challenge for sports leagues worldwide, impacting sponsorship deals, broadcasting contracts, and club revenues.
In addition to pursuing legal action, LaLiga recently introduced a public reporting initiative that rewards verified tips about unauthorized commercial broadcasts. The league has also implemented visual markers within official broadcasts to help viewers distinguish legitimate streams from pirated ones.
Industry analysts say the ruling signals a more aggressive legal stance toward digital intermediaries in Europe. As regulators tighten enforcement under the Digital Services framework, technology companies may face increased scrutiny over how their services are used.
