Official Premier League partner Sorare has been charged by the UK Gambling Commission for allegedly providing unlicensed gambling services to British consumers.
The charges stem from an investigation launched by the Commission in October 2021, and if proven, could result in substantial fines or even prison sentences.
Despite this investigation, Sorare entered a four-year partnership with the Premier League in January 2023. As part of the agreement, Sorare introduced a free version of its fantasy football game.
Premier League officials stated that thorough due diligence was conducted before finalising the deal. However, the charges now threaten to cast doubt on the league’s decision to collaborate with Sorare.
The Football Supporters' Association voiced concerns over the increasing involvement of crypto in football at the time that the partnership was first announced, stating: “Supporters have repeatedly raised concerns about the proliferation of crypto partnerships in the game and the announcement from the Premier League is no exception.
“Crypto assets are currently under-regulated and lack protection for the consumer buying them. Clubs, leagues and players promoting such schemes have frequently not undertaken the necessary due diligence, putting their own fans at financial risk.
“We will continue to work with the Government, Parliament and other interested parties to deliver greater protections for football supporters.”
Sorare, which also holds partnerships with several major European football leagues, club teams and national teams has strongly denied the allegations.
A spokesperson for the company stated: “We firmly deny any claims that Sorare is a gambling product under UK laws.
“The Commission has misunderstood our business and wrongly determined that gambling laws apply to Sorare. We cannot comment further whilst legal proceedings are underway.”
