Premier League bosses say they remain 'committed' to tackling piracy 'regardless of location' following the shut-down of illegal streaming service Mobdro.
The world-wide app has been closed down after authorities in Spain, along with Europol, moved on an investigation from the top flight and the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment.
Speaking about the investigation, Premier League Director of Legal Services Kevin Plumb said: "Mobdro's criminal enterprise amounted to long-running and large-scale theft. These raids show we and our colleagues at ACE are committed to taking action against piracy, regardless of location.
"The protection of our copyright is hugely important to the Premier League and our broadcast partners, as well as the future health of English football."
The Premier League's tough stance on piracy may catch the eye of Newcastle United fans who are still holding out for a takeover led by the Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund - The Public Investment Fund.
It's thought that piracy of top-flight games within Saudi Arabia was an issue for Premier League bosses - especially as the World Trade Organisation ruled that the Saudi government did not do enough to stop the illegal broadcasting of games from neighbouring Qatar.
Saudi Arabia has appealed the ruling.
It's understood that the Premier League never got as far as ruling on the issue of piracy when it came to the takeover - so even if Mike Ashley wins his court battle with the top flight over who, from the Public Investment Fund, would be listed a director, piracy could still cause a problem.
The statement from Plumb clearly shows that the Premier League are taking any piracy of games seriously - and the action to shut down an operation in Spain shows they have no issue tackling groups outside of the UK.
