Manchester named the top illegal football streaming hotspot as £50k fine warning sent to fans

Manchester has been identified as a hotspot for illegal football streaming, with Birmingham and Wolverhampton also featuring in the top 10 list. The data was compiled by Footy Accumulators, who analysed the number of internet searches related to illegal streaming across 30 of the UK's most populated areas.

They calculated the average search volume per capita of 100,000 people. Birmingham ranked third on the list, with 250.4 illegal football streaming searches per 100,000 people, giving the city a score of 8.7 out of 10.

Wolverhampton came in fifth, with 229.1 illegal football streaming searches per 100,000 people, earning it a score of 8 out of 10. Manchester topped the list overall, followed by Newcastle in second place and Liverpool in fourth. This comes after football fans were warned earlier this year about a crackdown on illegal streaming.

ALSO READ: United player ratings after PAOK victory

ALSO READ: United plan for Malacia comeback plus Yoro update

Top 10 locations for illegal searches

Football enthusiasts who stream matches illicitly via their Amazon Fire TV Stick devices were put on notice in May, with the threat of fines reaching up to £50,000. The stark warning comes amid intensified actions by the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) and other British authorities to curb such offences.

Sports analyst Alex Hemming from Free Bets Ireland issued a caution. As quoted by Birmingham Live, he said: "The risks associated with illegal streaming of sports in the UK are significant and multifaceted.

"The potential for hefty fines, criminal prosecution, and personal data compromise makes illegal streaming a risky endeavour. With more legitimate streaming options available than ever, choosing to view sports through official channels is not only the legal choice but the smarter one."

Try MUFC Pro NOW for free

Subscribe to our brilliant app for the best way to enjoy the M.E.N's unrivalled Manchester United coverage.

• No adverts, pop-ups or distractions - just our brilliant content presented in the best way possible.
• Comprehensive, round-the-clock coverage of the Reds, with agenda-setting breaking news and insight from Samuel Luckhurst and our authoritative team of United writers
• Exclusive content for subscribers
• New interactive elements including (coming soon) quizzes to test your United knowledge.

Try MUFC Pro for a front-row seat to the action at absolutely no cost for the first month. You can get started by downloading our app here on iPhone, or here on Android. If you already have our app, click on the ''MUFC Pro',' Subscribe' or ' Remove ads' links.

*Free trial auto renews at £19.99 annually unless cancelled. T&C’s apply. Ad-free indicates that you will not be shown standard display ad formats with the articles that you read, selected articles may contain commercial messages/affiliate links where contractually required.