FIFA Faces Backlash as French and Spanish Broadcasters Challenge ExpressVPN World Cup Sponsorship
FIFA has come under growing pressure after broadcasters in France and Spain formally objected to the governing body's decision to make ExpressVPN an official sponsor of the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
The virtual private network (VPN) provider was unveiled as one of FIFA's commercial partners before the tournament began, with its branding appearing prominently on pitch-side advertising boards throughout World Cup matches.
The sponsorship has, however, sparked controversy among broadcasters and football authorities who argue that VPN services can make it more difficult to combat illegal streaming of live football matches.
Leading the criticism is Javier Tebas, who has long campaigned against digital piracy in Spanish football. Tebas argued that promoting a VPN service sends the wrong message at a time when leagues and broadcasters are investing heavily in protecting broadcasting rights.
According to Tebas, La Liga clubs lose as much as €700 million annually due to illegal streaming, making anti-piracy efforts a major priority for Spanish football.
In a letter addressed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Tebas reportedly described the sponsorship agreement as being inconsistent with football's commitment to protecting audiovisual rights. He argued that partnering with a VPN company could undermine ongoing legal efforts aimed at tackling digital piracy.
The concerns have also been echoed in France. The Association for the Protection of Sports Programs (APPS), which represents major sports broadcasters including Canal+ and beIN Sports France, also wrote to FIFA expressing "deep concern" over the partnership.
The organisation maintained that FIFA, as world football's governing body, has a responsibility to ensure its commercial agreements support the integrity and long-term value of football's broadcasting ecosystem rather than create uncertainty around copyright protection.
The controversy comes after French broadcaster Canal+ previously secured a court ruling requiring several VPN providers, including ExpressVPN, to block access to hundreds of domain names associated with illegal sports streaming websites.
Responding to the criticism, FIFA defended its decision, stating that it conducted extensive due diligence before entering into the commercial agreement. The governing body insisted it had carefully assessed the partnership and implemented safeguards to ensure it would not undermine the interests of broadcasters and other rights holders.
ExpressVPN has also maintained that its service is intended to protect users' online privacy and security rather than facilitate unlawful activity. The company advises customers to comply with local laws and clearly states that its VPN should not be used for illegal purposes, including copyright infringement.
Opinion: Privacy and Copyright Are Colliding in Modern Football
The dispute between FIFA, broadcasters and ExpressVPN highlights a growing challenge in today's digital sports industry. On one hand, VPN services are legitimate privacy tools used by millions of people to protect personal data and secure internet connections. On the other, the same technology can be misused by individuals seeking to bypass restrictions and access pirated broadcasts.
Broadcasters have invested billions of euros in acquiring exclusive football rights, making piracy a serious commercial threat. Their concerns are understandable, particularly as illegal streaming continues to affect revenues that support clubs, leagues and competitions.
At the same time, holding VPN providers solely responsible for piracy oversimplifies a complex issue. VPNs have many lawful uses, including enhancing cybersecurity, protecting users on public Wi-Fi networks and safeguarding online privacy.
Ultimately, FIFA's sponsorship agreement reflects the delicate balance between embracing global technology brands and protecting the commercial ecosystem that funds the sport. The controversy is likely to reignite broader debates about digital rights, online privacy and how football can combat piracy without discouraging legitimate technological innovation.
