What is the ruling on purchasing and using an internet-based satellite receiver to decrypt scrambled channels, especially permissible sports channels, knowing that its method of operation relies on obtaining channel decryption keys via the internet? And is the high cost of channel subscriptions considered a justification for this?

It is not permissible to decrypt satellite channels or assist in doing so, because it constitutes an infringement upon people's rights and an unlawful appropriation of their wealth. Channels are either permissible in their origin or forbidden due to their content violating Islamic law. Sports channels are forbidden for two reasons: their encrypted nature, and their包含content that is unlawful to view, such as the exposure of awrah (private parts) and free wrestling.