UK Authorities Freeze $13.5 Million in Premier League Account Tied to Crypto Probe

Industry Pulse News Desk · 2026-09-01

The National Crime Agency is investigating potential ties between licensing payments from fantasy sports platform Sorare and third-party criminal activity.

British law enforcement authorities have frozen £10 million ($13.5 million) in a bank account associated with the Premier League as part of an investigation linked to cryptocurrency gaming platform Sorare.

The U.K.’s National Crime Agency ordered the asset freeze to prevent the transfer of funds while investigators examine potential connections between licensing payments made under a multiyear deal and alleged criminal activity involving third parties. Authorities have not detailed specific criminal allegations.

Representatives for Sorare denied being the subject of the inquiry, stating that the frozen account does not belong to the company and that it is not a party to the legal proceedings. The Premier League declined to comment on the court action.

The frozen funds stem from a $140 million, four-year licensing agreement signed in 2023, which granted Sorare rights to issue official digital player cards featuring Premier League athletes. The transaction under review represents the initial payment made under that commercial agreement.

The enforcement action follows earlier warnings from the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority cautioning sports organizations against partnering with unauthorized financial firms. Separately, Sorare faces regulatory charges from the U.K. Gambling Commission for allegedly operating without a license, with a trial scheduled for next year.