Zurich, 12 January 2026 — In response to recent public statements by Cloudflare against the enforcement by Italy’s national communications regulator of anti-piracy measures, the World Leagues Association (WLA) expresses its full support for its member leagues, specifically Italy Lega Serie A and local authorities to protect the football industry.
The WLA, which represents professional leagues globally underlines that the football industry rely on legally protected broadcasting rights to fund clubs, competitions, employment, and long-term investment in grassroots and youth sport.
Anti-Piracy Enforcement Is Not Censorship
Claims that lawful anti-piracy enforcement constitutes “internet censorship” misrepresent both the facts and the applicable frameworks.
The measures at issue concern the enforcement of copyright law, based on statutory authority, judicial oversight, and established due-process safeguards. They address organized criminal activity that unlawfully redistributes live football.
These actions do not restrict lawful speech, journalism, political expression, or access to legitimate information. They are mechanisms already implemented by hundreds of internet service providers and DNS resolution services.
AGCOM Is a Lawful Democratic Authority
AGCOM is Italy’s legally constituted independent regulatory authority, established by law and operating within the framework of the Italian Constitution, European Union law, and the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Describing it as a “quasi-judicial” or illegitimate body is inaccurate and undermines trust in democratic institutions.
The Real Impact of Piracy
Audiovisual piracy is not a victimless activity. It directly threatens the financial sustainability of professional leagues and clubs, thousands of jobs, broadcasting and event operations, and investment in grassroots and youth sport.
No Company Is Above the Law
Technology intermediaries play a vital role in the digital ecosystem. With that role comes responsibility. Companies running business must abide by local laws, in the present case Italian and European laws, and comply with lawful orders issued by competent authorities.
Unsubstantiated claims of a hidden agenda of local institutions promote the theft of intellectual property rights and are deeply concerning.
A Call for Constructive Engagement
The World Leagues Association calls on all technology providers to engage constructively with regulators, rights holders, and courts in good faith. Effective collaboration — not distortion or escalation — is the only sustainable path forward in combating organized piracy while protecting fundamental rights.
We remain committed to defending intellectual property, the rule of law, and the long-term health of sport and culture worldwide.
