Protect the game: Why fighting piracy matters

Sport isn’t just entertainment, it’s passion, pride and community. From local derbies to global showdowns such as the impending FIFA Club World Cup, it brings people together and fuels economies.

But behind the thrill of every match lies a major threat: piracy. It’s not just costing broadcasters, it’s undermining the entire sports ecosystem!

MultiChoice and SuperSport – Defending the game

MultiChoice, on its DStv, GOtv and Showmax platforms via Your Home of Champions, SuperSport, delivers the widest variety of premium sporting action across Africa: football, rugby, cricket, boxing, motorsport, athletics and more. But to keep bringing fans the best, piracy must be tackled head-on.

That’s why MultiChoice is leading the fight, using smart tech, strong partnerships and real-time enforcement to shut down illegal content distribution. Because if fans want world-class sport, it must be protected.

The cost of ‘free’ matches

Streaming pirated sports content may seem harmless: just one game, right? But behind that illegal feed are ripple effects that hit hard: broadcasters lose revenue, local sports leagues struggle, athletes miss out on funding and production crews go unpaid.

It takes hundreds sometimes thousands of professionals to deliver a single live broadcast. From camera operators and commentators to producers and on-site crews, piracy chips away at their livelihoods.

Fighting piracy – The MultiChoice game plan

MultiChoice’s anti-piracy strategy is a full-court press:

• AI-Driven detection: In partnership with Irdeto, illegal sports streams are identified and taken down in real time.
• Global partnerships: With support from Interpol, Europol and Homeland Security, piracy networks are dismantled at the source.
• Social media sweeps: Over 4,000 unauthorised clips were removed in the past year, blocking billions of illegal views.
• Consumer education: Fans are being informed about the risks of piracy from malware to identity theft, and encouraged to report illegal streams.

SuperSport – The legitimate home of sport

If it’s worth watching, it’s on SuperSport. Whether it’s the Premier League, Champions League, Rugby Championship, Formula 1, UFC or the Olympic Games, SuperSport is the only place where fans can get the full, legal, high-quality experience live and uninterrupted.

Paired with DStv and GOtv’s flexible packages, and streaming via DStv Stream and Showmax, there’s a legal, affordable option for every type of fan – no risk, no dodgy links, no compromises.

Your role – Keep the game clean

Piracy isn’t just a broadcaster’s issue; it’s everyone’s problem. Every time you choose a legitimate stream, you’re supporting the future of sport: the players, leagues, broadcasters and all the professionals who make game day happen. If you see illegal streaming, report it through the MultiChoice website or customer care. One report can help shut down a pirate platform.

Let’s protect what we love

African sport is thriving but we must defend it. Supporting legal platforms like SuperSport helps fund development, uncover new talent and keep top-tier sporting action coming to screens across the continent. The future of sport is in your hands. Make the right play.

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