UK Freezes £13.6M in Premier League Sorare Sponsorship Probe

British authorities have frozen £13.6 million in a Premier League bank account, seizing the first payment from a major sponsorship deal with cryptocurrency fantasy football platform Sorare as part of a criminal investigation. The National Crime Agency obtained the freezing order from Westminster Magistrates Court in January 2025, using the Proceeds of Crime Act to secure the funds held in a Barclays account belonging to The Football Association Premier League Limited. The agency stated the order is designed to prevent the dissipation of funds while it investigates potential links between the money and alleged third-party criminality. The Premier League has not been accused of any wrongdoing in the matter and is challenging the freeze, which remains in force until September 14. League officials have declined to comment on the case, which was first reported by The Sun. The seized amount represents the initial installment of a four-year sponsorship agreement announced in January 2023. The deal was valued at approximately £163 million over its full term, or about £41 million per year.