UK Freezes $13.5M Sorare Payment Amid Allegations of Third-Party Links

The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has frozen $13.5 million that Sorare, a blockchain-based sports platform valued at £3.21 billion, made to the Premier League under a four-year licensing agreement.

The funds were transferred as part of Sorare's deal with the League, which is estimated to be worth around £120 million over four years.

An order was issued by Westminster Magistrates' Court in January 2025, but it has only been made public this week. The money involved is £10,024,041.33 and is deposited in a Barclays bank account belonging to the Football Association Premier League Limited.

The NCA stated that the aim of the order is 'to prevent dissipation of the funds while the NCA investigates any potential links between those funds and alleged third-party criminality.' The Premier League has not been accused of wrongdoing and has requested the court to change this order, which is valid until September 14.

Sorare's difficulties with UK regulation do not end with the NCA freeze. The Gambling Commission accused the company of conducting gaming activity in the UK without the required license under the Gambling Act 2005.