England fans face £1,000 fine for breaking TV Licence rules during Euro 2024

England fans eager to watch Euro 2024 have been alerted to a potential £1,000 fine due to an obscure rule.

After months of anticipation and four years since England's heartbreaking final defeat in the previous tournament, Euro 2024 is finally upon us.

The Euros kick off tonight with a clash between England's two fiercest rivals, as host nation Germany takes on Scotland on ITV1 at 8pm. Come Sunday, Gareth Southgate's Three Lions will begin their campaign with a group match against Serbia, broadcasted on BBC One.

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However, football enthusiasts may be unaware of a lesser-known TV Licence rule that could result in a hefty £1,000 fine, reports the Express.

Do I need a TV Licence to watch Euro 2024?

According to TV Licence regulations, you must possess a TV Licence, currently priced at £169.50, to watch any live TV on any channel, including BBC and ITV, which are broadcasting the games.

Even if you plan to catch up later or watch the matches live on YouTube, a TV Licence is still required. Interestingly, there is a peculiar loophole primarily aimed at students that allows for live TV viewing without a personal TV Licence.

Those whose parents or guardians hold a TV Licence can legally watch live TV and BBC iPlayer on a smartphone, tablet or laptop that isn't plugged in or charging at the time, without needing their own Licence.

Yes, strangely enough, the rules stipulate that if the device is 'powered solely by its own batteries', you can legally watch live TV on it while away at university or halls, provided your parents have a TV Licence at home.

TV Licensing has clarified: "If your device is not plugged in (ie you're watching or recording live TV programmes on any channel, or downloading or watching BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer, using devices powered solely by internal batteries) you will be covered by your home TV Licence."

"If you plug your device into the mains, you'll be covered if that property already has a TV Licence. Otherwise, you'll need to buy a separate TV Licence for that property."

Essentially, it's completely legal - until the moment you plug your laptop in. TV Licensing further warns: "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."