The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has frozen 10 million pounds, equivalent to approximately $13.5 million, as part of an ongoing investigation into online sports company Sorare. The enforcement action follows claims of unlicensed gambling involving the firm.
Sorare is known for producing blockchain-based digital trading cards. In 2023, the company entered into a four-year, $162 million partnership deal with the Premier League, though that agreement was terminated at the conclusion of last season.
According to reports, the NCA froze the funds following a January 2025 order issued by the Westminster magistrates’ court. A spokesperson stated that the order was designed to prevent the dissipation of funds while the agency investigates potential links between the money and alleged third-party criminality.
The investigation coincides with heightened regulatory scrutiny surrounding sports sponsorships in the UK. In June, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued warning letters to Premier League clubs regarding questionable sponsorship deals with unauthorized entities, including crypto-related firms.
While several Premier League clubs maintain crypto-related sponsorships for the current season—such as Chelsea's partnership with stablecoin issuer Circle and Manchester City's deal with the OKX exchange—global sponsorship activity between sports teams and crypto companies has declined overall since the 2022 market downturn.
