The Premier League has been granted a court order that could spell the end of illegal streaming of football matches.
The court order, which covers the length of the 2017/18 season, forces all Internet service providers (ISPs) to block servers that are hosting live footage of football matches. A similar order was in place for the title run-in last season and saw more than 5,000 IP addresses blocked after streaming football matches.
The court order was described as a "game changer" by Kevin Plumb, Premier League director of legal services.
He said: "It will allow us to quickly and effectively block and disrupt the illegal broadcast of Premier League football via any means, including so called 'pre-loaded Kodi boxes'.
"The protection of our copyright, and the investment made by our broadcast partners, is hugely important to the Premier League and the future health of English football.
"The ability that clubs have to develop and acquire talented players, to build and improve stadiums, and to support communities and schools is all predicated on being able to market, sell and protect commercial rights."