UK freezes $13.6M of Sorare’s EPL sponsorship payment amid criminal probe

The UK’s National Crime Agency has frozen $13.6 million (£10.02 million) from an EPL sponsorship payment made by NFT-based fantasy football game company Sorare, Decrypt reported. The NCA obtained a court freezing order in January last year to prevent the funds from being moved while it investigates links between the money and alleged crimes involving a third party. The frozen funds are understood to be the first sponsorship payment made under Sorare’s four-year deal with the Premier League signed in 2023. There is no indication the Premier League was involved in any crime, and the league plans to ask the court to amend the order before the freeze expires on Sept. 14. Separately, Sorare has been charged in the UK with providing unlicensed gambling services. The company denies the allegations, saying its service is based on skill rather than chance.