UK NCA freezes $13.6 million in Premier League funds amid investigation into Sorare crypto fantasy game

According to Decrypt, the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) froze approximately $13.6 million (around £10.02 million) in Barclays' account for the Premier League under the Proceeds of Crime Act. This amount represents the initial sponsorship payment made by crypto fantasy football card game Sorare to the Premier League, stemming from a four-year sponsorship agreement worth roughly $163 million (£120 million) signed by both parties in January 2023. The NCA stated that the freeze was implemented to prevent the transfer of funds while investigating its link to "potential third-party criminal activity," with the Premier League itself facing no allegations of misconduct. Concurrently, Sorare is confronting a separate prosecution from the UK Gambling Commission, which alleges it provided gambling services without a valid operating license. The trial has been postponed until June 2027. Sorare denies that its product falls under gambling regulations, firmly asserting that gameplay is centered on skill rather than chance.