A large number of fans have wondered in recent days why AceStream, the app to watch football matches, no longer works. This open-source streaming player based on VLC Media Player was the alternative for many people to watch games for free thanks to URL addresses where the broadcast of some users was reproduced thanks to the exchange of links.
The efforts of LaLiga and Movistar to prevent piracy and illegal access to the broadcasts to which they have the rights have led the Commercial Court number 9 of Barcelona to include AceStream among the pages banned in Spanish territory. Rojadirecta has been included in this list of blocked web portals for years, one of the pioneers in offering illegal links to watch football matches and other sports broadcasts for free, as well as for downloading them.
BLOCK ONLY IN THE WEB VERSION OF ACESTREAM
The blocking of AceStream by the courts at the request of Movistar and LaLiga is limited only to its website, from where it is no longer possible to download the desktop software that allowed its open-source player to be installed. However, AceStream is still accessible from Spain for Android users since it is available on Google Play. It is also possible to access AceStream using a proxy or a VPN.
The news of the blocking of AceStream is not without controversy since this tool is also used by many users for legitimate purposes, far from viewing sporting events. The AceStream website also states that it does not host any content or material that violates intellectual property.
ANTI-PIRACY CRUSADE OF LALIGA AND MOVISTAR AND COMPLAINTS FROM FANS
LaLiga and Movistar obtained a new permit on August 4 to block illegal broadcasts of their soccer matches in less than three hours. The main body of Spanish professional football and the television operator requested at the beginning of the year before the European Commission the prohibition of 85 IPTV applications to continue their crusade against piracy.
For their part, fans have lamented since this summer the prices set by the operators to be able to watch football matches in Spain and the obligation to contract other services such as fiber or landline and mobile telephone lines to enjoy the service. Watching football legally on Movistar ranges between 85 and 108 euros per month, depending on the competitions chosen (without temporary offers). Meanwhile, Orange TV subscribers must pay a monthly fee of between 100 and 115 euros per month, between 85 and 100 with offers).
These prices are more striking, if possible, compared to what football fans pay in other countries in the European environment. In response, many viewers look for free alternatives like AceStream to watch football for free without facing those payments. At the same time, LaLiga and Movistar strive to intercept any illegal broadcast instantly.
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