The UK's National Crime Agency has frozen $13.6 million of Premier League money as part of an investigation into Sorare, the fantasy card game backed by Lionel Messi. The frozen amount was the first payment under a $163 million deal between the league and Sorare, which is facing a gambling prosecution.
The frozen payment
The $13.6 million was the first installment of a four-year partnership announced between the Premier League and Sorare. The NCA's freeze came in connection with a probe into the company's operations. The agency has not released further details about the freeze beyond the amount.
That first payment was due to flow from the league to Sorare under the terms of the deal. Instead, it now sits frozen while investigators look into the company. The NCA has not said when the funds might be released or whether the freeze extends to future payments.
Sorare's gambling prosecution
Sorare is facing a gambling prosecution in the UK. The company runs a fantasy football game where players buy, sell, and trade digital cards representing real players. The prosecution stems from concerns that the game amounts to unlicensed gambling under British law.
The NCA's probe is separate from the criminal prosecution, but both involve the same company. Sorare has not publicly responded to the freeze or the prosecution. The case is still pending in the courts.
The Premier League's $163M bet
The Premier League signed the $163 million deal with Sorare last year, making the company an official partner. The deal was meant to bring Sorare's digital card game to a wider audience through the league's global reach. Lionel Messi, one of the sport's biggest names, is an investor in Sorare.
Now the first payment under that deal is frozen. The Premier League has not announced any changes to the partnership, and the NCA has not disclosed whether the remaining payments are affected. The gambling prosecution against Sorare is still pending, and the NCA has not said when the frozen funds might be released.
