The UK National Crime Agency Freezes $13.6 million Related to the English Premier League, Linked to the Crypto Game Sorare

BlockBeats News, September 1st, the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has frozen over $13.6 million of funds linked to the English Premier League. The related funds were held in an account opened in the name of "The English Football Super League Limited" at Barclays Bank. The freezing order was issued by the Westminster Magistrates' Court in January 2025 under the Proceeds of Crime Act to prevent the funds from being moved during the investigation.

This fund represents the first payment of a four-year sponsorship deal that the crypto fantasy football card game Sorare made to the Premier League. The partnership was announced in January 2023, with the agreement set to expire after the 2025-26 season. The total value of the contract was initially estimated to be around $163 million.

Meanwhile, Sorare is also facing criminal proceedings from the UK Gambling Commission. The regulator charged Sorare in 2024 with providing gambling services without an operating license. The case is expected to go to trial in June 2027. Sorare denies that its product falls under the UK's legal definition of gambling, stating that the game's outcome is primarily determined by player skill rather than luck.

There is currently no evidence of wrongdoing by the Premier League. The Premier League had previously declined to comment on the fund freezing incident and is planning to apply for an adjustment to the existing freezing order.