UK crime agency freezes £10 million amid investigation into Sorare

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has frozen approximately £10 million (about $13.5 million) after a court order issued in January 2025. The action is linked to a probe into Sorare, an online sports company that creates blockchain‑based digital trading cards and previously held a Premier League sponsorship.

Background on Sorare and the Premier League partnership

Sorare signed a four‑year partnership with the Premier League in 2023 valued at $162 million. The deal was terminated at the end of the last season amid concerns about the company’s licensing status.

Reason for the asset freeze

The Westminster Magistrates’ Court ordered the freeze to “prevent dissipation of the funds while the NCA investigates any potential links between those funds and alleged third‑party criminality.” The investigation reportedly focuses on allegations that Sorare operated unlicensed gambling activities.

Regulatory context

Earlier in the year, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) warned Premier League clubs about “questionable sponsorship deals” with firms not authorized to operate in the country, including crypto‑related entities. Despite the warnings, some clubs announced crypto sponsors for the upcoming season, such as Circle for Chelsea and OKX for Manchester City.

Industry trends

Crypto sponsorships of sports teams have declined globally since 2022, reflecting broader market downturns and heightened scrutiny over public affiliations with the crypto sector.