Euroview suspend services after pub footy ruling

Euroview says it has sought legal advice on the up to date position in relation to the broadcasting of live football in light of Lord Justice Kitchin’s judgment in the Premier League vs QC Leisure (and others) case.

A statement posted on Euroview’s website reads: “To fully protect the business of its customers Euroview Sport is now investing in making changes to its service which will ensure that it offers a risk free solution which does not infringe the rights of the FAPL or any other third party.

“Until these changes are fully effected Euroview has made the decision to temporarily suspend its services.”

Lord Justice Kitchin said in the Premier League vs QC Leisure case that those importing foreign satellite equipment had breached the Premier League’s copyright in certain areas, such as by broadcasting the Premier League anthem.

However, the judge also said the Premier League had proved claims that its copyright had been breached to just a “limited extent”, and foreign satellite suppliers should be able to “carry on their business in a way which avoids infringement of FAPL [the FA Premier League’s] copyrights if they are able to do so”.

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled in October last year that national legislation which prohibits the import, sale or use of foreign decoder cards is contrary to the freedom to provide services and cannot be justified either in light of the objective of protecting intellectual property rights or by the objective of encouraging the public to attend football stadiums.

Portsmouth landlady Karen Murphy’s case with the Premier League is due to be heard in the High Court next Friday (24 February).