A LOOPHOLE in new legislation which could allow unregulated streaming services such as Amazon Prime, Apple TV and DAZN to buy live rights to “crown jewel” sports events must be closed by the government, a new report has said.

The draft Media Bill is designed to ensure the sale of live rights for “listed events” such as the Olympic Games, men’s and women’s football World Cups and the Wimbledon tennis tournament is limited solely to public service broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.

However, a new report from the Culture Media and Sport committee highlights that a loophole still exists allowing streaming services that are not regulated by Ofcom to secure such rights and put them behind a paywall.