UK piracy watchdog FACT brought the criminal prosecution against Mr. Babolhavaeji at Plymouth District Magistrates Court for showing Sky Sports to customers without having valid commercial viewing agreements in place. Business premises that show Sky broadcasts without a commercial viewing agreement risk facing similar action or civil legal proceedings.
Vahid Babolhavaeji televised Sky Sports football matches with the intent to avoid payment of the applicable commercial subscription charge. Babolhavaeji, the designated premises supervisor of the Premiere Bar and Grill, was ordered to pay total fines and costs of £14,000.
“Protecting our customers’ investments is more crucial than ever,” said Sara Stewart, Head of Compliance (Commercial Anti-Piracy) for Sky Business. “When businesses illegally broadcast Sky Sports, it can leave our legitimate subscribers feeling short-changed.”
Working with FACT is a key part of Sky’s commitment to protecting pubs and clubs that invest in legitimate Sky Sports subscriptions. Sky is committed to visiting every licensed premises reported by other publicans and/or organizations for illegally showing Sky.
Original press release
Plymouth Premiere Bar and Grill licensee fined £14,000 for illegally screening Sky Sports. Press release. April 3, 2025. Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT)
Why it matters
Sky Sports is only available to licensed premises in the UK via a commercial viewing agreement from Sky Business. “Venues that continue to televise content in this way are breaking the law and are at risk of being ordered to pay significant damages and legal costs to Sky,” said Ms. Stewart of Sky.
FACT’s Chairman Kieron Sharp said: “By holding individuals accountable for illegal streaming and the misuse of Sky content, FACT sends a clear message to other licensees that these violations will not be tolerated.”
Any licensee affected by these issues can report suspected illegal broadcasting confidentially at www.pubpiracy.com.
