England fans hit with £1,000 fines for little known TV Licence rule

England fans watching the Euro 2025final this Sunday are being hit with a warning over a £1,000 fine for a little known rule.

The Lionesses have fired their way to the final of the Women's Euro 2025 tournament this Sunday, July 27 as they face off against Spain in a bid to defend their title.

It took a late winner in extra time against Italy on Tuesday, but England are now just 90 nervy minutes away from victory in Europe once more, hoping to slay the demons of the World Cup final heartache in 2023.

The final is set to be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Sunday, with coverage beginning at 3.40pm and the match kicking off at 5pm.

But football fans might not realise there is a little known rule about the TV Licence which could see you slapped with a £1,000 fine.

Do I need a TV Licence to watch Euro 2025 final?

The TV Licence rules state that you must have a TV Licence, currently £174.50, to watch any live TV on any channel, including BBC One and BBC iPlayer, so you do need a TV Licence to watch the game this Sunday, whether live or on catch up.

But there is an odd loophole aimed largely at students which allows you to watch live TV without a TV Licence, but will make you liable for a £1,000 fine if you get it wrong.

People whose parents or guardians have a TV Licence can watch live TV and BBC iPlayer on a smartphone, tablet or laptop that is not plugged in or charging at the time, without paying for their own Licence.

Yes, oddly, the rules state that if the device is 'powered solely by its own batteries' you can watch live TV on it legally while you're away at halls or uni, as long as your parents have a TV Licence at home.

TV Licensing says: "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."

In other words, it's totally legal - until the moment you plug your laptop in.

TV Licensing adds: "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."