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What action was taken in the Sorare investigation?

In the UK investigation into Sorare, assets worth £10 million, or about $13.5 million, were reportedly frozen. According to British press reports, the decision came as allegations of unlicensed gambling involving the online sports company were examined. The process has brought the regulatory side of sponsorship ties between football and crypto companies back into the spotlight.

Sorare is known as a company that offers digital trading cards on blockchain. The company signed a four-year $162 million partnership deal with the Premier League in 2023. However, that partnership ended at the close of last season.

What is behind the court ruling and the scope of the review?

According to The Sun, the freezing order is based on a Westminster magistrates’ court ruling from January 2025. The National Crime Agency (NCA) said the move is intended to stop the funds from being disposed of while the investigation continues.

The report said the review extends not only to the company’s activities, but also to possible third-party criminal elements linked to the money. For that reason, the decision is a precautionary measure taken during the investigation rather than a final judgment.

How is regulatory pressure affecting crypto sponsorships?

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) sent a letter to Premier League clubs in June warning them against risky sponsorship deals with companies operating without authorization in the UK. Those warnings were said to include crypto-linked partnerships.

Crypto sponsorships remain, but the number has fallen

Some Premier League clubs still have sponsors from the crypto sector this season. Even so, the number of sponsorship deals between crypto companies and sports teams worldwide is reported to have fallen after 2022, due to market contraction and concerns over public ties to the sector.

  • Chelsea’s sponsors include stablecoin issuer Circle.
  • Manchester City works with crypto exchange OKX.
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