Premier League’s Boot Out Piracy campaign has launched in Malaysia, and it comes with a stark cybersecurity warning: illegal streaming sites are, on average, 17.3 times riskier than mainstream websites. The finding comes from independent research by cybersecurity expert Professor Paul Watters, commissioned as part of the campaign, which was launched in partnership with Astro to highlight the real-world dangers of accessing pirated football streams.
Premiere League “Boot Out Piracy” Campaign
![[ENG] EPL BOP - Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)](https://cdn.pokde.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20024347/premier-league-boot-out-piracy-illegal-streaming-01.jpg "PSA From Premier League's Boot Out Piracy Campaign: Don't Stream Matches From Illegal Streaming Sites - 16")
Professor Watters’ research assessed a broad range of piracy websites and produced results that go well beyond the expected copyright infringement angle. According to the findings, 66% of piracy websites assessed were classified as presenting significant or critical cybersecurity risks. A further 54% were flagged for suspicious activity linked to scams, phishing or malicious behavior.
The research also found that 44% of the sites exposed users to harmful advertising and scam pathways, creating direct opportunities for cybercriminals to target viewers. The report highlights that pirate streaming services are commonly operated by organized cybercriminal networks, meaning exposure to these sites can lead to phishing scams, malware infection, identity theft and financial fraud.
These risks affect anyone who accesses a piracy site, not just those who download files; simply visiting an illegal stream can be enough to expose a device to malicious scripts or redirect users through dangerous advertising networks.
Football Stars Front the Campaign Videos
![[ENG] EPL BOP - Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)](https://cdn.pokde.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20024350/premier-league-boot-out-piracy-illegal-streaming-02.jpg "PSA From Premier League's Boot Out Piracy Campaign: Don't Stream Matches From Illegal Streaming Sites - 17")
To amplify the message, the Premier League has enlisted some of the sport’s most recognizable names. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo and Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze all appear in campaign videos urging fans to think twice before turning to illegal streams.
The collaboration with Astro brings the campaign to Malaysian audiences through a local broadcast partner that holds the official rights to Premier League content in the country. Astro subscribers have access to live matches through legitimate channels, which the campaign positions as the safer and legal alternative to piracy sites.
Pokdepinion: Turns out the real offside trap was the malware your free stream installed on your phone.
