Broadcasters warn against piracy as World Cup approaches

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Television Jamaica (TVJ) and Caribbean Premier Sports Ltd, operators of RUSH Sports, are reiterating that they are the only officially authorised broadcasters of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Jamaica across all television, digital and public viewing platforms.“Members of the public are advised that access to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches through side-loaded applications on devices such as Amazon Firesticks, Android boxes, modified IPTV devices and other unauthorised streaming applications constitutes piracy, copyright infringement and theft of intellectual property rights,” the broadcasters warned in a joint statement on Thursday.The statement comes seven days before the World Cup is set to kick off on June 11.“No other broadcaster, streaming platform, IPTV operator, website, mobile application, social media account, public viewing operator or commercial establishment has been licensed or authorised to broadcast, retransmit, stream, exhibit or publicly display FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Jamaica outside of the rights granted to CPSL/RUSH Sports and TVJ,” the broadcasters said.They noted that the exclusivity applies across all forms of transmission, including Cable television, satellite television, IPTV services, mobile applications, internet streaming platforms, social media transmissions, public viewing events, and commercial venue broadcasts.The broadcasters also noted that the unauthorised commercial exhibition or public viewing of FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, including at bars, restaurants, entertainment venues, community events, fan zones and outdoor screenings is prohibited unless expressly authorised by CPSL/ RUSH Sports or TVJ in accordance with FIFA’s Public Viewing regulations and licensing framework.CPSL and TVJ said they are working closely with FIFA and its international anti-piracy enforcement partners as part of FIFA’s global Content and Brand Protection Programme to identify and remove illegal broadcasts, streams and retransmissions.Highlighting that authorised and legitimate broadcasts in Jamaica will carry either the official TVJ or RUSH Sports on-screen logo, the broadcasters noted that any stream or broadcast of World Cup 2026 content in Jamaica not carrying such an identifier should be treated as unauthorised and potentially illegal.The public is encouraged to report suspected piracy and unauthorised broadcasts directly to CPSL/RUSH Sports and Television Jamaica. The broadcasters said reports should include screenshots, video clips where possible, links, venue details or device information to assist with enforcement investigations.