Kodi users who gain access to illegal Premier League football streams via add-ons look set to face tough new blocks.
A court order has just been put in place which aims to stop matches being shown online without permission.
The latest ruling is targeting internet hosting provider Ecatel, who have been told they must stop services that facilitate the viewing of illegal streams of Premier League football.
If they fail to block these streams they could face a fine of up to €1.5 million (£1.3m).
According to FACT, The Premier League took legal action against Ecatel after it repeatedly ignored warnings that, by hosting and providing access to servers for illegal streams of its content, it was acting unlawfully.
Premier League Director of Legal Services, Kevin Plumb, said: “This is a crucial judgment for the Premier League, and for other sports and rights holders.
“It sends a clear message to rogue server and hosting providers that by facilitating illegal streams they themselves can be subject to legal action.
“An injunction and financial penalties of up to €1.5 million is a clear warning to others operating in this area, and provides the basis on which we can now take action against other dedicated server providers or illegal ISPs across Europe as part of our global protection work.”
The Premier League’s action against Ecatel is part of a wide-ranging copyright protection programme.
Back in summer the League was granted a High Court order which allows them to stop any illegal streams of their matches.
And, according to TorrentFreak, the new ban appears to be working with the report suggesting that the Premier League was able to block 5,000 IP addresses that were streaming its content illegally.
In fact, it’s thought that within minutes of Premier League streams going live, many fans who were attempting to watch them were almost instantly blocked.
If the Premier League can stop the streams it will be a huge victory for the sporting association and services such as Sky and BT who have been hit hard by illegal TV Players.
With subscription prices rising, Kodi has become hugely popular with a recent study suggesting that over 30 million people are now using the online TV player.
Kodi is not illegal but it does allow add-ons to be installed which then give users access to premium content, such as sports and movies for free.
Those using Kodi to tune in into streams are being warned that what they are doing is illegal and they should be aware of consequences.
Speaking about devices, such as Kodi, Kieron Sharp, FACT Chief Executive, said: “Consumers need to be aware that devices that allow you access to premium pay-for TV channels without a legitimate subscription, or access to films that are not yet available to rent or buy, are illegal.
“Whilst end users are not a target, they could get swept up in one of our operations and become part of the whole criminal investigation, which could lead to prosecution alongside the suppliers, retailers and importers.”