Fútbol Libre: A Case Study in Copyright Infringement and Online Piracy

By Estudio Chaloupka

Fútbol Libre was a popular online platform in Argentina and other Latin American countries that allowed users to watch live soccer matches for free. It gained a massive following due to its ease of use and the wide range of matches it offered. However, its popularity was short-lived as it operated in direct violation of copyright laws.

On July 2024, Ezequiel Ponce was arrested in connection with the creation and operation of Fútbol Libre. His arrest came after a thorough investigation by Argentine authorities, who were responding to complaints from major sports broadcasters and leagues about the platform's illegal streaming of copyrighted content.

Ponce was charged with copyright infringement and distributing copyrighted material without authorization. Fútbol Libre's business model relied on streaming live soccer matches without obtaining the necessary licenses from the rights holders. This constituted a direct violation of intellectual property laws and caused significant financial losses to the broadcasting industry.

Despite his arrest, Ponce was later released. The courts determined that while he was involved in the platform, there was insufficient evidence to prove he was the sole or primary operator. However, the platform itself remains illegal and inaccessible due to ongoing efforts by authorities to combat online piracy.

The case of Fútbol Libre serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of copyright infringement. It highlights the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and the challenges faced by authorities in combating online piracy. Additionally, it underscores the need for consumers to be aware of the legal implications of accessing copyrighted content without authorization.