UK NCA Freezes $13.5 Million in Sorare Investigation Over Unlicensed Gambling Claims
Quick Look
- The UK's National Crime Agency froze approximately $13.5 million linked to Sorare following a Westminster magistrates' court order, as part of an investigation into alleged unlicensed gambling.
- The blockchain-based digital trading card company had a terminated $162 million Premier League partnership.
- The FCA previously warned Premier League clubs about unauthorized crypto sponsorships.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Sorare, a blockchain-based digital trading card company, had a four-year, $162 million partnership with the Premier League that ended at the conclusion of the last season. The UK's Financial Conduct Authority had previously warned Premier League clubs about questionable sponsorship deals with unauthorized crypto companies.
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has reportedly frozen 10 million pounds, or about $13.5 million, as part of an investigation into online sports company Sorare.
According to a Monday report from UK news outlet The Sun, the NCA was conducting a probe into Sorare over claims of unlicensed gambling. The company is behind digital trading cards on the blockchain and signed a four-year, $162-million partnership deal with the Premier League in 2023, which was terminated at the end of last season.
The Sun reported that the NCA froze $13.5 million in cash following a January 2025 order from the Westminster magistrates’ court. A spokesperson reportedly said that the order was intended “to prevent dissipation of the funds while the NCA investigates any potential links between those funds and alleged third-party criminality.”
In June, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said it had sent letters to clubs in the Premier League, warning about “questionable sponsorship deals” with companies not authorized to operate in the country, including those involved with crypto.
Some of the Premier League clubs have crypto-related sponsors for the upcoming season, including stablecoin issuer Circle for Chelsea and the OKX exchange for Manchester City. However, the number of sponsorship deals between crypto companies and sports teams globally has reportedly declined since 2022 following the market downturn and concerns over public ties to the industry.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The NCA will expand its investigation to other crypto companies with sports sponsorships in the UK
Possible · Within months
Premier League clubs will review and potentially terminate existing crypto sponsorships to avoid regulatory risk
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific evidence links the frozen funds to alleged third-party criminality?
- Will the NCA pursue charges against Sorare or individuals associated with the company?
- How will this investigation affect other crypto-sports sponsorships in the UK?
- Are Premier League clubs reviewing their current crypto partnerships in light of the FCA warnings?
