Kieran Maguire issues Man City claim as prison sentence confirmed – ‘they’re cheating the system’

Man City will be keen for the Premier League to continue its ruthless crackdown on illegal streamers.

That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the cash the top flight loses to online piracy.

As relayed by Inside World Football on Wednesday (14 September), Manchester Crown Court has sentenced Michael Hornung, 38, to four years and six months in prison for his role in a streaming racket.

Hornung, who is believed to be on the run in Cyprus, provided illegal access to Sky Sports’ pay TV coverage, with a particular focus on the Premier League.

City trousered £271.7million in broadcast income in the last recorded financial year, but clubs and leagues are concerned about the threat caused by illegal streaming.

Maguire explained why they are threatened by people who “cheat the system”.

“If the Premier League get the pricing right, there is little incentive for people to use the piracy option,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.

“The sentences handed down do seem very severe. But the Premier League does act in concert with its partners to identify people who are breaching copyright.

“As far as the benefits are concerned, the total prize money handed out by the Premier League in 2021-22 was over £2.5billion. On top of that, there are Uefa broadcast rights as well.

“The Premier League, therefore, has to ensure that it disincentivises people to cheat the system.”

In other news, pundit claims Jack Grealish has got it badly wrong at Man City after confirmed news.

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