According to Decrypt, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has successfully frozen approximately $13.6 million of funds linked to Premier League entities as part of an ongoing investigation into the digital collectibles platform, Sorar.
This financial seizure represents a significant milestone in the probe surrounding the popular fantasy card game backed by Lionel Messi and his agency. The NCA’s action occurred shortly after reports emerged indicating that Sorare is facing formal gambling prosecution within the UK jurisdiction.
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The frozen assets are connected to an initial transaction of $163 million, which served as the first payment under a broader agreement involving the fantasy gaming ecosystem. This specific deal was established between the game operators and representatives associated with Messi’s management team.
The investigation highlights growing regulatory scrutiny directed at crypto-native platforms operating within traditional sports markets. Authorities are examining whether Sorare meets necessary gambling licensing requirements to continue its global operations without legal complications in the United Kingdom.
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The NCA has stated that such interventions aim to prevent illicit financial flows and ensure compliance with national laws regarding online gaming transactions involving professional athletes’ likenesses and intellectual property rights.
This development underscores the complex intersection between cryptocurrency technology, international sports marketing strategies, and evolving gambling regulations in major economies like Britain. The outcome of this probe could set important precedents for similar digital collectibles ventures seeking legitimacy within regulated markets worldwide.
