Man Sentenced for Selling Illegally Modified Firesticks to Stream Premier League Games

A Liverpool man, Jonathan Edge, has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison for selling reconfigured Amazon Firesticks that allowed users to illegally stream Premier League football matches. Edge, 29, modified these devices at home, uploading unauthorized streaming services before selling them on Facebook for cash, despite receiving several warnings from the Premier League to stop his activities.

In a private prosecution by the Premier League, Edge pleaded guilty to three fraud charges. The case highlights the league’s ongoing efforts to protect its broadcast rights and combat illegal operators “no matter the scale,” according to league representative Kevin Plumb. Edge’s persistent refusal to comply with warnings was noted as an aggravating factor in his sentencing.

The operation, which relied on cash transactions, drew attention from both the Premier League and Merseyside Police. Detective Sergeant Steve Frame underscored that this case serves as a warning about the seriousness of copyright theft. Edge was also penalized for viewing the illicit streams himself.

The Premier League emphasized the importance of protecting broadcast rights, citing that they support financial contributions across all levels of football. Additionally, FACT, an intellectual property watchdog, reiterated that illegal businesses profiting from stolen content would be investigated and prosecuted, regardless of their size or advertising methods.

The judge further emphasized that such fraudulent schemes impact legitimate subscribers, affecting not only broadcasters but also everyday consumers.