Spanish authorities announced on Friday, that they had successfully shut down Cristal Azul, the country’s largest illegal streaming platform, which had been offering free access to La Liga and second division football matches.
According to a statement from Spain’s Guardia Civil, the operation uncovered that more than 78,000 users were benefiting from the illegal broadcasts, defrauding two prominent Spanish companies, La Liga and broadcaster Movistar of over 42 million euros ($44.4 million).
The crackdown followed a joint complaint lodged by La Liga and Movistar, leading to the identification of a 37-year-old man, who is now under investigation in connection with the operation.
La Liga President Javier Tebas hailed the move as a significant victory in his ongoing fight against illegal streaming, which he has repeatedly described as “theft” and a serious threat to the financial stability of football, potentially driving the sport “into bankruptcy.”
