What has Vinicius Junior done to attract criticism from LaLiga chief
LaLiga has taken action against Real Madrid after Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior caused a stir with a social media post in midweek.
The controversy began when Vinicius shared a screenshot of an illegally streamed Champions League match during Real Madrid’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool, a game he missed due to injury.
LaLiga President Javier Tebas was quick to condemn the act, highlighting that watching matches without using Spain’s official broadcaster, Movistar, is considered piracy.
“If it was in Madrid, and I believe it was, then it’s piracy. In Spain, access to Champions League games must go through Movistar,” Tebas said.
LaLiga has sent a formal complaint to Real Madrid, asking the club to ensure such incidents are not repeated.
The incident draws attention to a growing problem with illegal streaming in Europe, particularly in Spain. A report by the European Union’s Office of Intellectual Property revealed that pirate streaming increased by 36.5% between 2021 and 2023, with Spain leading in illegal streams, accounting for 25% more than any other country.
LaLiga estimates piracy costs the league €700 million annually, making it a significant issue for Spanish football.
This is not the first time a player has been involved in such controversy. Earlier this season, Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez faced backlash and a fine after posting a pirate stream, which he later removed.
While no penalties for Vinicius Junior have been announced, LaLiga hopes this incident will prompt Real Madrid and other clubs to discourage piracy among players.
