Premier League Cash Frozen Amid Sorare Investigation

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has frozen £10million of Premier League cash as part of an investigation into alleged criminality involving Sorare, a crypto-gaming firm backed by Lionel Messi and other stars.

Sorare was initially brought in to run a digital card game with the Premier League in 2023 under a four-year, £120m deal. However, the partnership was terminated at the end of last season as the firm came under investigation in the UK.

The NCA obtained an order from Westminster magistrates' court in January 2025 to freeze £10million, which is understood to be the first down payment made by Sorare as part of its £30m-a-year deal. The funds were held in the Barclays account of the Premier League's management company.

Sorare denies any wrongdoing and claims its game is based on skill rather than luck, so should not be subject to betting regulations. It is also facing prosecution by the Gambling Commission for providing facilities for gambling without an operating licence.