Argentina's Battle Against Football Piracy

By Estudio Chaloupka

Football piracy its a significant issue in Argentina, with millions accessing illegal streams of domestic and international matches. However, recent coordinated efforts by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and government institutions have marked a decisive shift towards combating this pervasive problem.

In recent years, platforms like Fútbol Libre and Magis TV have attracted millions of users by offering unauthorized access to live football matches. For instance, Fútbol Libre was one of Argentina’s most popular pirate streaming sites, showing games from the Primera Division and leagues across the world. The founder of this site was arrested in Mendoza in July 2024, underscoring the growing concern over such illegal activities.

To address the surge in piracy, Argentine authorities have implemented several measures:

-Site Blocking Orders: The National Court of First Instance in Buenos Aires has instructed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block access to numerous pirate streaming sites. This includes dynamic blocking orders that prevent the emergence of new mirror sites.

-International Cooperation: Argentina has participated in "Operation 404," a collaborative effort with Brazil, Peru, the United Kingdom, and the United States to dismantle piracy networks. This operation has led to the shutdown of over 2,500 piracy sites and nearly 750 streaming apps across Latin America.

-Judicial Actions: In 2024, a significant ruling by Judge Esteban Rossignoli led to the blocking of all domains related to the illegal IPTV service Magis TV. Additionally, Google was ordered to prevent the application from being used on Android devices in Argentina.

In June 2025, ahead of the Primera División League final between Huracán and Platense, the AFA launched a high-profile anti-piracy campaign. Before the match, a man dressed as a pirate entered the field and took away the ball game, symbolizing the threat of illegal streaming. This act was followed by messages from the team captains urging fans to support legal broadcasting channels, highlighting the importance of protecting football's integrity.

The fight against piracy extended beyond domestic borders. During the UEFA Champions League final in June 2025, Argentine authorities, in collaboration with international partners, targeted illegal streaming platforms broadcasting the match without authorization. This coordinated action aimed to safeguard the interests of rights holders and ensure that fans accessed the game through legitimate channels.