Britain’s FBI has frozen £10million of Premier League cash as it probes alleged criminality involving a crypto partner fronted by Lionel Messi. The National Crime Agency is investigating Sorare amid claims of unlicensed gambling.
Sorare, which runs a digital card game backed by Messi and other stars such as Kylian Mbappe, denies any wrongdoing. The £120million, four-year deal with crypto-gaming firm Sorare was unveiled with a fanfare of publicity in 2023.
But it was terminated at the end of last season as the firm came under investigation in the UK. We can reveal the National Crime Agency obtained an order from Westminster magistrates’ court in January 2025 freezing £10million under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
It is understood the sum was the first down payment made by Sorare as part of its £30million-a-year deal. It was held in the Barclay’s account of the Premier League’s management company. An NCA spokesperson confirmed the freezing order on funds totalling £10,024,041.33 in the name of The Football Association Premier League Limited.
