by Dzudzie Faith Netshisaulu
The Premier Soccer League has thrown its weight behind CANAL+’s campaign against piracy, warning that illegal access to sports content poses one of the biggest threats to the long-term sustainability of football in South Africa.
In a press release sent out on Friday, the league said illegal streaming platforms, stream-ripping services, website links and unlicensed applications have grown rapidly in recent years, costing sports broadcast rights holders, broadcasters and commercial partners billions in lost revenue.
The PSL also highlighted that in their recent annual interface meeting with CANAL+, MultiChoice (Pty) Ltd and SuperSport, the parties discussed broadcast strategy and plans for the league’s milestone 30th season and the years ahead.
One of the main issues on the agenda was piracy, which the PSL said continues to undermine the sports, entertainment and broadcast media industries. The illegal distribution and viewing of content affects the broader football value chain, including players, clubs, broadcasters, sponsors and fans.
PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza said it was important for the league, its clubs, stakeholders and supporters to stand behind CANAL+ in the fight against piracy.
“We need to make sure that people support the CANAL+ project, to ensure that it’s a viable proposition, especially on the issues of piracy. There is illegal viewing of DStv content, and we cannot allow that to happen,” Dr Khoza said.
“The sponsor is genuine. To invest this kind of money at the first go, it means their heart is at the right place, so we are going to work with them with the same attitude and the same demeanour that we did with SuperSport.
“A miracle happened with our new partners, CANAL+. The first meeting we had with CANAL+, they extended the contract to 2034, which shows that they appreciate the PSL product. Our job is to make sure that we give them the support and maintain the viewership that we have developed over the years. Kudos to CANAL+, they have started on the right footing.”
