Constitutional Court annuls TFF's move against illegal broadcasts

The Constitutional Court (AYM) has annulled a legal provision that granted the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) the authority to impose access bans on entire websites in cases where football matches are broadcast illegally on the internet.

The Constitutional Court's decision was published in the Official Gazette. According to the ruling, the annulled regulation will take effect in 9 months.

CHP HAD FILED THE LAWSUIT

The Republican People's Party (CHP) had applied to the Constitutional Court with a request for the annulment and suspension of the relevant article of Law No. 7346 on Amendments to Certain Laws, which provided for access blocking decisions in the event of unauthorized sharing of football matches online.

In the application, it was argued that the regulation in question violated freedom of expression and could lead to arbitrary practices.

AUTHORITY GRANTED TO TFF IS VAGUE

The High Court evaluated the application and decided to annul the relevant article.

In the justification, it was emphasized that granting the TFF Board of Directors the authority to block access in cases where broadcasts related to football matches are shared illegally on the internet is "vague."

The decision recalled that it is not sufficient for laws containing restrictions on freedom of expression to exist only in form, and that such regulations must be "specific and predictable in nature."

The following findings were included in the Constitutional Court's justification:

"According to the rule, in the event that it is determined that broadcasts related to football matches within the borders of the Republic of Turkey are made available for use on the internet illegally, access to the relevant broadcast, part, or section will be blocked first. If the violation cannot be prevented in this way, an access ban will be imposed on the entire website. However, there is no provision for this decision to be submitted to a judge or court for approval."