Premier League and K+ warn Vietnamese football fans on the real-world risks of piracy

 The Premier League, in collaboration with its local broadcast partner K+, has launched the latest edition of its annual ‘Boot Out Piracy’ campaign in Vietnam, highlighting the hidden risks that illegal streaming poses to fans. 

Now in its fifth edition in Vietnam, some of the biggest stars in football are lending their voices to educate fans through the League’s ‘Boot Out Piracy’ campaign. Featuring Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Amad Diallo (Manchester United), Raul Jimenez (Fulham), Dan Burn (Newcastle United) and Matty Cash (Aston Villa), these players urge fans to stream safely and legally, highlighting that accessing content through pirate websites and illicit streaming devices (ISDs) places users at significant risk. 

Cybercriminals exploit illegal streaming services, exposing Vietnamese fans to malware, phishing scams, data theft, as well as harmful or inappropriate content. These hidden risks can compromise personal security and family safety.

A recent study by cybersecurity expert Professor Paul Watters revealed that most pirate websites contain malware, phishing or spam. These sites also expose users to harmful adverts promoting gambling, adult content or scams.

The findings of the research showed that in Vietnam: 

• Pirate websites are almost 10 times riskier than mainstream sites in exposing users to scams.
• Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of pirate websites flagged a cyber threat (malware, phishing or scams).
• Almost all ads (95 per cent) on pirate websites promote harmful content.
• Analysis of ISD and pirate apps found that users may unwittingly have their data hijacked and internet connection linked to criminal activity, exposing them to fraud, malware, and even law enforcement investigations.

Professor Watters said: “Piracy websites represent a major cybersecurity concern, not merely a copyright issue. Our research shows they are connected to criminal infrastructures used for fraud, ransomware, and related offences. Illicit streaming devices contribute to this same threat, being quietly conscripted into residential proxy networks that transform homes into unwitting participants in global cybercrime operations.”

Premier League General Counsel Kevin Plumb said: “Illegal streaming may feel harmless, but the risks go far beyond poor video quality. Research conducted by cybersecurity experts continually highlights the significant dangers of using pirate websites and devices. 

“Working with our broadcast partners and local authorities around the world, we continue to take action against those who provide illegal streams, but piracy is a problem that is always evolving. 

“Through the Boot Out Piracy campaign, we highlight that those who stream Premier League football through pirate websites and devices are in danger of exposing themselves and their family members to data theft, cyber threats and scams, which can prove extremely costly. 

“We are pleased to partner with K+ to bring this important message to fans in Vietnam and encourage fans to stream Premier League football safely and responsibly.”

As the exclusive broadcaster of the Premier League in Vietnam, K+ plays an important role in the ‘Boot Out Piracy’ campaign. 

Mr. Axel Gallant, CEO of Vietnam Satellite Digital Television (K+), said: “Football embodies passion, unity and integrity — values that K+ is determined to uphold and protect. Our partnership with the Premier League reinforces a shared commitment to safeguarding the game and the millions of Vietnamese fans who cherish it. 

“Piracy is not merely an intellectual property concern; it poses real risks to users’ data security, privacy and digital wellbeing. Through collective action and continued collaboration with the Premier League and local authorities, K+ is dedicated to building a safe, trusted and sustainable viewing environment that preserves both the spirit of the sport and the interests of its supporters.”

The Premier League continues to work closely with K+ and Vietnam’s law enforcement to bring legal actions against pirate operators. The League is also taking proactive steps to reinforce its commitment to protecting intellectual property and supporting its broadcast partners. Through its ongoing site-blocking programme, thousands of domains have been identified and blocked in Vietnam, preventing access to websites that stream football matches illegally.  

The 2025/2026 Boot Out Piracy campaign launched in Malaysia at the end of September and is now rolling out across Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Thailand throughout October, where it will be showcased across broadcast channels and social media platforms to reach fans directly.