EFL and SPFL Target Illegal Match Broadcasts in Russia Amid Ongoing Investigations
The English Football League (EFL) and Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) have initiated investigations and are contemplating legal action after discovering that their matches have been illegally broadcast in Russia this season. Football TV, a Russian subscription and streaming service, has reportedly aired numerous games from the EFL's opening rounds, along with Scottish Premiership matches featuring teams like Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts. These leagues ceased broadcasting in Russia in March 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine, and have not sold rights packages in the country since. The current live footage appears to have been obtained illegally. Previously, the EFL had a broadcasting contract with Football TV, while the Scottish Premiership was aired on Match TV. The Premier League also halted its broadcasts in Russia around the same time, having its rights held by Okko Sport. Last week, the EFL reached out to Football TV after being notified that several games, including Cardiff’s 1-1 draw with Wrexham and Watford’s 2-1 win over Southampton, had been shown in Russia. Despite this, Football TV continued to air matches such as West Ham vs. Charlton and West Brom vs. Burnley, raising suspicions that Football TV may attempt to broadcast illegal content from the Premier League as well. Moreover, several Scottish Premiership matches were broadcast over the past two weekends, promoted via Football TV’s Telegram channel. The primary goal for both the EFL and SPFL is to halt these broadcasts and identify the source of the pirated content. Both organizations are prepared to take legal action against Football TV and its content suppliers. An SPFL source confirmed that they are investigating the issue in collaboration with their broadcasting rights holder, Infront. The EFL and SPFL have chosen not to comment further at this time.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-08-24