Streaming boss on $2.1 million fraud charge over World Cup deal

The boss of a sports streaming service, Sports Flick, had been arrested by New South Wales police on charges of fraud of up to $2.1 million.

Dylan Azzopardi allegedly tried to defraud investors on the promise of bidding the money for the streaming rights to the Rugby League World Cup.

Instead though he allegedly used the $2 million and chance for personal use, instead of securing the TV deal by paying the companies who owned the international television rights for the tournament.

The initial report of this came from the Sydney Morning Herald in 2021 but following an 18-month investigation 9NEWS in Australia are reporting that he will face charges of fraud regarding the alleged offence.

New South Wales Police released a statement in regard to the 29-year-old.

“In July 2021, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command commenced an investigation following reports of an alleged fraudulent business deal over streaming rights for a sporting tournament.

“Several items found at the location, including electronic storage devices and documentation, were seized to undergo forensic examination.

“He was charged with dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception and nine counts of use false document to obtain financial advantage.”

9NEWS report that Sports Flick had previously tried to secure a huge $60 million deal for Champions League streaming rights but had failed.

The dishonest use of money secured for funding to secure the World Cup rights is what Azzopardi has been held on but it’s unclear what will happen next in this stage of the long investigation.