The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) has frozen more than $13.6 million in a Barclays account belonging to The Football Association Premier League Limited, the operating entity of the Premier League. According to Decrypt, the NCA obtained an order from Westminster Magistrates' Court in January 2025 under the Proceeds of Crime Act to freeze the funds. The money is the first payment under a four-year sponsorship deal between Sorare and the Premier League. That agreement, announced in January 2023, allowed Sorare to issue digital player cards for players at all 20 Premier League clubs. The partnership ended after the 2025-26 season. In a separate case, Sorare faces prosecution by the UK Gambling Commission, which alleges the company offered gambling facilities without an operating licence. Sorare has entered three not-guilty pleas, and the trial is listed for June 2027. The company says its game rewards skill rather than chance and denies that its product constitutes gambling under UK law.
The UK National Crime Agency (NCA) has frozen more than $13.6 million in a Barclays account belonging to The Football Association Premier League Limited, the entity that operates the Premier League. The NCA obtained an order from Westminster Magistrates' Court in January 2025 under the Proceeds of Crime Act to freeze the funds, according to Decrypt.
First payment under four-year sponsorship deal
The frozen amount is the first payment Sorare made under its four-year sponsorship agreement with the Premier League. The deal was announced in January 2023 and allowed Sorare to issue digital player cards for players at all 20 Premier League clubs. The partnership between Sorare and the league ended after the 2025-26 season.
Separate prosecution by UK Gambling Commission
Beyond the freeze, Sorare faces prosecution by the UK Gambling Commission, which accuses the company of offering gambling facilities without an operating licence. Sorare has entered three not-guilty pleas. The trial is listed for June 2027.
Sorare has said its game rewards skill rather than chance, and denies that its product falls under the definition of gambling in UK law.
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