Wolves and the Premier League Investigate Sleeve Sponsor 6686 Sport for Illegal Streaming
Wolverhampton Wanderers, commonly known as Wolves, and the Premier League are currently investigating sleeve sponsor 6686 Sport following accusations that the company has been illegally streaming games on their Chinese language website. The allegations were made by Josimar, a football publication, which claimed that 6686 Sport, an Asian bookmaker, has been offering free access to games from the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, and other competitions on their site.
6686 Sport is not an official broadcast partner of the Premier League and has not obtained the rights to stream these matches legally. As a result, Wolves have brought this issue to the attention of 6686 Sport and are working with the Premier League to address the matter.
Earlier this year, Wolves and 6686 Sport entered into a partnership agreement, which is considered the biggest sleeve sponsorship deal in the club’s history. The partnership was officially announced in August, just before the start of the new season. As part of the agreement, 6686 Sport’s logo appears on both Wolves’ home and away kits, as well as on advertising boards at Molineux, the club’s home ground.
In addition to being the sleeve sponsor, 6686 Sport was also named as Wolves’ official Asian betting partner. The partnership was seen as an opportunity for both parties to support each other’s growth in the region and connect with football fans across Asia.
The Premier League has taken a strong stance against piracy of its content in recent years. In May, five individuals were sentenced to more than 30 years in jail for their involvement in a network that illegally streamed matches. The league is committed to protecting its intellectual property rights and ensuring that its broadcast partners have paid for the rights to stream games.
The Athletic has reached out to 6686 Sport for comment but has not received a response at the time of writing.
Illegal streaming has become a significant issue in the sports industry, with millions of viewers accessing matches through unauthorized channels. A recent study suggested that around eight million people in the UK alone have watched illegal streams. This not only undermines the revenue streams of legitimate broadcasters and rights holders but also poses a threat to the integrity of the sport.
The investigation into 6686 Sport’s alleged illegal streaming activities highlights the ongoing battle against piracy in football. The Premier League and its clubs are determined to protect their rights and ensure that fans have access to matches through legitimate channels. By cracking down on illegal streaming, they aim to maintain the value of broadcasting rights and support the growth of the sport.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken against 6686 Sport if the allegations are proven true. The Premier League has a track record of pursuing legal action against individuals and organizations involved in illegal streaming. Given the seriousness of the offense, it is likely that appropriate measures will be taken to address the issue and prevent further infringement of intellectual property rights.
In conclusion, Wolves and the Premier League are actively investigating sleeve sponsor 6686 Sport for allegedly illegally streaming games on their Chinese language website. The partnership between Wolves and 6686 Sport, which includes sleeve sponsorship and an official Asian betting partnership, is now under scrutiny. The Premier League’s commitment to protecting its content and combating piracy is evident in its strong stance against illegal streaming. As the investigation progresses, it is crucial for the league and its clubs to take decisive action to safeguard their rights and maintain the integrity of the sport.