The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has frozen 10 million pounds - worth around $13.5 million - as part of an investigation into Sorare. The asset detention order was executed under a warrant issued by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court in January 2025.
Sorare operates a blockchain-based digital trading card platform designed for sports fans - particularly football. The platform signed a four-year, $162 million partnership deal with the Premier League in 2023. That high-value partnership recently concluded at the close of last season.
Allegations of Unlicensed Gambling
UK law enforcement authorities are currently investigating claims that Sorare operated gambling services without holding a license in their jurisdiction. “The freezing is intended to prevent the dissipation of funds while the NCA investigates potential links between those funds and third-party criminality,” an agency spokesperson said, detailing the grounds behind the seizure.
FCA Warning to Premier League
The Sorare case coincides with regulatory tightening by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) targeting the sports industry. In June 2026, the financial regulator issued a written warning to all Premier League clubs regarding the risks behind questionable sponsorship deals from unauthorized firms - directly referencing crypto platforms.
Several top-flight English clubs currently still hold active sponsorship deals with the digital asset industry. Chelsea is sponsored by stablecoin issuer Circle, while Manchester City maintains a partnership with crypto exchange OKX. These agreements remain on the FCA’s radar regarding the licensing compliance of their partners.
The presence of crypto entities as sponsors in global sports has continued to shrink since the market entered a downturn in 2022. The multi-million-dollar freeze on Sorare’s funds now raises real concerns for European club management before approving new cash inflows from blockchain projects. Reported by Cointelegraph.
Read also: What Is an NFT and How Does It Work?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only, not financial advice. Cryptocurrency assets are highly volatile and carry significant risk. Always do your own research (DYOR) and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
