Premier League's £10m frozen amid Sorare fraud probe

More than £10 million of Premier League funds will remain frozen while an international criminal investigation into its former fantasy football game partner, Sorare.com, continues. The National Crime Agency (NCA) and Luxembourg authorities are investigating the company for alleged criminal conduct. The NCA, often referred to as Britain’s FBI, secured an initial order in January to freeze £10,024,041.33 held in the Premier League’s bank account.

On Friday, Westminster Magistrates’ Court granted a further four-month freeze on the funds. This extension was requested by the NCA as the licence was due to expire the following Monday. District Judge Sam Goozee stated that the freezing of accounts is necessary and proportionate to prevent the dissipation of funds suspected to be the proceeds of criminal conduct and to facilitate the authorities’ investigation.

Awareness of Gambling Commission Inquiries

The Premier League was aware in October 2021 that the Gambling Commission was conducting inquiries into Sorare.com. This followed a press release from the commission regarding whether the French-based company’s services constituted gambling and thus required an operating licence. The Premier League subsequently held a meeting with Sorare and received a summary of the company’s legal opinion, which concluded that its contests were not a form of gambling. The court heard that this legal opinion explicitly stated it should not be relied upon by any third party.

Despite these inquiries and charges, the Premier League announced a £120 million four-year deal with Sorare.com in January 2023, promoting the firm’s digital player cards as a new way for fans to connect with the league. Approximately eighteen months later, Sorare informed the Premier League that it had been charged with three offences by the Gambling Commission for providing unlicensed gambling facilities. A trial is scheduled for June 2027. The judge noted that Sorare’s activities have continued in Great Britain since the date of the charges, and the Premier League continued to receive funds into the frozen account until June 2025.

What Happens Next

The current freeze on the £10 million of Premier League funds will remain in place for at least another four months, pending the ongoing investigation by the NCA and Luxembourg authorities. Sorare.com is scheduled to face trial in June 2027 for charges related to providing unlicensed gambling facilities.