WASHINGTON: Fifty-five websites have been seized for illegally live-streaming matches from the World Cup in Qatar, the US Justice Department said Monday.
The websites were shut down after a FIFA representative identified sites being used to distribute copyright-infringing content without the authorization of the soccer world governing body, the department said in a statement.
FIFA holds exclusive rights to the World Cup, which has reached the semifinal stage.
“While many may believe that such websites do not constitute serious threats, the infringement upon rights holders of any intellectual property is a growing threat to our economic viability,” said special agent James Harris of the Homeland Security Department.
“The impact can be felt across multiple industries, and it can be the conduit to other forms of criminal activity,” Harris said.
The Justice Department did not identify the seized websites but said visitors to the sites would be redirected to another site for additional information.
US seizes 55 websites for illegally live-streaming World Cup
https://arab.news/jm286
US seizes 55 websites for illegally live-streaming World Cup
Co-host Sri Lanka win toss and bowls in must-win T20 World Cup game against New Zealand
- The game is a must-win for co-host Sri Lanka to have any hope of reaching the semifinals
- England, on 4 points, are the only team already through to the semifinals
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to bowl in cricket’s T20 World Cup Super 8s match against New Zealand on Wednesday.
The game is a must-win for co-host Sri Lanka to have any hope of reaching the semifinals after losing to England in their Group 2 opener.
England, on 4 points, are the only team already through to the semifinals after defeating Pakistan on Tuesday to make it two wins from two games in Group 2.
New Zealand and Pakistan each have a point after their match was abandoned because of rain.
Sri Lanka dropped opener Kamil Mishara and recalled the experienced Charith Asalanka. New Zealand left out Jimmy Neesham and brought in Cole McConchie.
— — — —
Lineups:
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.
