The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned Premier League clubs that sponsorship deals with unregistered crypto firms could land them in legal trouble. The regulator put a spotlight on Manchester City's sponsor OKX, which isn't on the FCA's Firm Checker list, while noting that Tottenham Hotspur's deal with Kraken is okay because Kraken's parent company, Payward, is authorized. The warning, issued this week, puts clubs on notice that cozying up to unapproved crypto brands carries real risk.
Which clubs are in the crosshairs
Manchester City's OKX isn't the only one in the regulator's sights. The FCA's Firm Checker tool lists authorized financial firms; OKX doesn't appear. That means the exchange is effectively operating without the agency's blessing. Tottenham's Kraken, by contrast, gets a pass through its parent Payward, which is registered. The FCA didn't name other clubs, but the logic is clear: any Premier League team with a crypto sponsor that's not on the list could be violating rules.
Why the regulator stepped in
The FCA's director of consumer investments, Lucy Castledine, didn't mince words. She said fans' trust in club badges "should not be exploited by unapproved financial firms for promoting potentially risky products." It's a blunt warning that ties directly to the unique power of football branding — a logo on a shirt can move millions of pounds in consumer trust. The regulator also flagged money laundering risks and reputational damage as potential consequences for clubs that ignore the rules.
What fans should actually do
The FCA advised supporters to check the Firm Checker tool before buying any financial product advertised through a club's sponsorship. The message is simple: don't assume a club's endorsement means the crypto firm is legit. The regulator is essentially telling fans to do their own homework — because the clubs might not have done enough of theirs. For now, the burden falls on the fan, not the badge.
What happens next
Clubs are now facing a choice: audit their sponsorship portfolios or risk FCA action. The agency hasn't announced fines or enforcement steps yet, but the warning is on the record. Expect some clubs to quietly review their crypto partnerships — especially those with firms not on the Firm Checker list. The Premier League season is months away, but off-pitch compliance doesn't take a summer break.
