Broadcasters in France and Spain have officially complained to FIFA regarding its partnership with ExpressVPN for the World Cup. ExpressVPN, a service designed to enhance online privacy, was featured on advertising boards during tournament matches.
Javier Tebas, president of La Liga, strongly opposes the deal. He argues that VPNs facilitate illegal football streaming, an issue he claims costs Spanish clubs approximately €700 million annually. In a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Tebas argued that the sponsorship contradicts efforts to protect audiovisual rights and undermines ongoing legal actions taken by organizations like La Liga, beIN Sports France, and Canal+ against the provider.
The Association for the Protection of Sports Programs (APPS), representing major French broadcasters, also voiced serious concern. They urged FIFA to prioritize the sustainability and integrity of sports broadcasting rights when choosing partners. Previously, a Paris court ordered ExpressVPN and other providers to block domains associated with piracy.
FIFA defended the partnership, stating it conducted thorough due diligence and implemented safeguards to protect stakeholder interests. ExpressVPN maintains that its service is intended for privacy and security rather than illegal activities, advising users to adhere to local laws.