FIFA FACES BACKLASH OVER EXPRESSVPN WORLD CUP PARTNERSHIP

Broadcasters in France and Spain have lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over its decision to appoint ExpressVPN as an official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup, arguing that the partnership undermines efforts to combat illegal sports streaming.

ExpressVPN, a virtual private network (VPN) service that enhances users’ online privacy, was unveiled as an official World Cup partner before the tournament and has featured prominently on pitch-side advertising boards during matches.

The sponsorship has drawn criticism from football authorities and broadcasters, who argue that VPN services can make it more difficult for authorities to identify individuals who illegally stream football matches.

La Liga president, JAVIER TEBAS, a long-time campaigner against digital piracy, criticised FIFA’s decision, warning that it sends the wrong message to the football industry, and further revealed that La Liga clubs lose as much as €700 million annually due to illegal football streaming.

The Association for the Protection of Sports Programs (APPS), which represents major sports broadcasters in France, including Canal+, beIN Sports France and other rights holders, also wrote to FIFA expressing “deep concern” over the sponsorship and urged FIFA to ensure that its commercial partnerships align with the protection of the integrity, sustainability and value of sporting events and their broadcasting rights.