England fans tuning in to watch the World Cup game against Croatia on ITVX are being warned they could face a £180 charge. The warning comes as millions prepare to watch the match live on ITV1 and ITVX at 9pm tonight.
World Cup Coverage Details
The game is being broadcast live on both free-to-air TV and via streaming simultaneously. ITV's coverage for the World Cup will be led by Mark Pougatch, Laura Woods and Semra Hunter, with pundits including Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Gary Neville and Karen Carney. Commentators include Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon.
The deal between ITV and the BBC means ITV gets the first game, BBC will show England's second group game against Ghana on June 23, and ITV will get the third game against Panama.
TV Licence Requirement
Those watching on ITV1 or ITVX are being warned they could be slapped with a £180 charge. While BBC's coverage is funded by the £180-a-year TV Licence, you need a TV Licence to watch the match on ITV as well, including on ITVX.
TV Licence rules dictate that any live broadcast on any channel or via the internet requires a TV Licence, not just BBC broadcasts. You still need a TV Licence even if you watch the match on ITVX through streaming, without using the TV's aerial connection.
TV Licensing warns: "A TV Licence covers you to: Watch or record TV on any channel on any TV service (like Sky, Virgin Media and Freeview). Watch live on streaming services (like ITVX, All 4, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video). Use BBC iPlayer. This applies to any device, including a TV, computer, laptop, phone, tablet, games console or digital box."
Legal Consequences
You cannot legally watch the game without a TV Licence unless you watch highlights on ITVX on catch-up, go to the pub, or watch at a friend's house. The fine for being caught is considerable.
TV Licensing states: "Not covered by a TV Licence? You are breaking the law if you: watch TV channels like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Dave and international channels. Watch TV on pay TV services like Sky, Virgin Media and BT; watch live TV on streaming services like YouTube and Amazon Prime Video; use BBC iPlayer. This includes recording and downloading. On any device."
"You could be prosecuted if we find that you have been watching, recording or downloading programmes illegally. The maximum penalty is a £1,000 fine plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay."
