The Pirate Bay's relaunch is expected to happen this weekend. A month since authorities shut it down, the most popular torrent portal will presumably be resurrected on Feb. 1. 

Fans of The Pirate Bay are ecstatic to see some changes on the homepage of the website, although it is still non-functioning. The countdown timer nestled on top of the page hints that it will be up and running on Thursday. The page also features an image of a phoenix, which is the symbol of rebirth. Reports say that the file-sharing site will have a redesigned version with streamlined features. The details are still unclear at the moment. 

However, WTC-SWE, the lead admin for The Pirate Bay, confirmed to Torrent Freak that the team behind the original site is not behind the relaunch as they have been taken "out of the picture." 

"I wish I had better news to come with," WTC-SWE said. "The launch that is about to take place on February 1 is not us." 

The Pirate Bay site will not feature the admin and moderation staff that had worked on maintaining the site for the last 10 years. Without the people running the website, there will be fewer filters for fake torrents and spam.

WTC-SWE also criticized the one behind the relaunch saying, "He thinks a site can be run without any staff at all and at the same time keeping up with fakes, internal issues etc. Personally I won't accept this. Neither will any of the crew that's been active for almost 10-11 years. As an admin and human, I won't stand aside and accept this kind of behaviour. This is the worst scenario that could happen." 

WTC-SWE also assured that the team is in possession of the backup files that will be used to reinstate the original The Pirate Bay website and said that it is only a matter of time and that the website needs proper staff.