Tunisian Football Federation issues warning over illegal broadcasting of Ligue 1 matches

The Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) has issued a stern warning against the unauthorized transmission of Ligue 1 matches, stressing that any breach of broadcasting rights will be treated as an act of piracy.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the governing body reaffirmed that it remains the sole owner of the audiovisual rights to Tunisia’s top-flight championship.

The FTF clarified that the rights have been contractually granted to three official partners: Tunisian national television for live television coverage, Diwan Sport for digital streaming, and the Al Kass network, along with its “Shouf” platform, for additional broadcast distribution.

According to the federation, these entities hold exclusive permission to transmit Ligue 1 fixtures either live, delayed, or through rebroadcasts.

Any attempt by other outlets—whether traditional broadcasters, online media, social platforms, or digital services—to stream or distribute footage without prior authorization will be classified as piracy.

The FTF further emphasized that its warning applies not only to full match broadcasts but also to any partial retransmission, including highlights, clips, or delayed content. “Any unauthorized use of this material, whether in part or in full, represents a direct violation of contractual agreements and intellectual property law,” the statement read.

The federation singled out a growing trend of illicit transmissions carried out by unlicensed IPTV providers, online platforms, and social media pages. Such practices, it argued, threaten the sustainability of Tunisian football by undermining legitimate broadcasters who invest in rights fees to ensure fans can enjoy matches in high quality and through official channels.

“The FTF, in coordination with its contractual partners, will not hesitate to pursue all legal measures necessary to protect its rights,” the statement continued. This includes potential lawsuits and penalties against individuals or organizations found guilty of unauthorized broadcasting.

The warning comes at a time when football associations across Africa and beyond are increasingly confronted with the challenge of digital piracy.

With the rise of illegal streaming platforms and social media rebroadcasts, federations have sought to tighten control over rights distribution, citing the financial damage caused to the sport and its stakeholders.

By reinforcing the exclusivity of its official broadcasters, the FTF is seeking to guarantee that revenue from broadcasting rights continues to benefit the development of the domestic game.

Broadcasting income represents a crucial resource for the federation, clubs, and other structures within Tunisian football, and illegal retransmissions risk diverting funds that are essential for sustaining competitions and supporting player development.

The federation’s latest move also serves as a direct message to fans, encouraging them to access Ligue 1 matches only through official broadcasters.

By doing so, supporters contribute to the growth of the sport in Tunisia while ensuring that they enjoy reliable, high-quality coverage.

The FTF concluded its statement by reiterating that it reserves the right to initiate immediate legal proceedings against any offender, regardless of platform or medium.

The warning reflects a zero-tolerance stance on piracy, aimed at protecting the integrity of Tunisia’s top football competition and ensuring that its official broadcasting partners retain the exclusivity they have invested in.