Kodi internet ban - Users who illegally live stream Premier League matches could face a new penalty

The Kodi surge continues without any sign of stopping, as users continue to ditch paid TV for the online player.

Recent research suggested Kodi - which offers access to thousands of channels - is being used in more than five million UK homes.

Kodi software is not illegal, but developers can produce third-party add-ons that provide free access to pirated and illegal content.

The illegal add-ons are being targeted by ISP's, government agencies, broadcasters and rights holders.

And now the High Court has issued a ‘blocking order’ that will SHUT off the internet of people who illegally stream Premier League football matches.

It’s been dubbed the ‘biggest ever crackdown’ on illegal streaming and will help the Premier League clamp down on the use of fully-loaded Kodi boxes.

The Premier League were granted the High Court ruling just weeks ahead of the 2017/18 season beginning.

Speaking to the BBC, Premier League Director of Legal Services, Kevin Plumb said: “This blocking order is a game-changer in our efforts to tackle the supply and use of illicit streams of our content.”

The High Court order means that Internet Service Provides in the UK will have to stop people from illegally streaming matches.