Over £10 million of Premier League funds to stay frozen amid criminal probe into ex-fantasy football partner

More than £10 million in Premier League accounts will stay frozen while international law enforcement investigates its former digital fantasy football partner. The National Crime Agency ( NCA ) and Luxembourg authorities are investigating French company Sorare.com, which previously held a licence to trade digital Premier League player cards. In January last year, the NCA secured a court order to freeze £10,024,041.33 held by the league. Westminster Magistrates’ Court granted a four-month extension on Friday following a request from the NCA, shortly before the previous order expired. District Judge Sam Goozee said: "The freezing of accounts is necessary and proportionate to prevent dissipation of funds which are suspected to be the fruits of criminal conduct and enable proper investigation by the authorities." Westminster Magistrates’ Court granted a four-month extension on Friday (Getty) The Premier League knew in October 2021 that the Gambling Commission was scrutinising Sorare after a statement appeared on the regulator’s website. Inquiries focused on whether the firm’s services constituted gambling, requiring an official operating licence. Court proceedings heard that the league subsequently met with Sorare and received a summary of its legal advice. Judge Goozee said: "In summary the conclusion of that legal opinion was that Sorare believes that its contests are not a form of gambling. "The summary of the legal opinion it received clearly states that ‘it should not be relied upon by any third party’." In January 2023, the Premier League agreed a £120 million four-year contract with Sorare. The league stated the collectible digital cards provided fans "a new way to feel closer to the Premier League whether they are watching in the stadium or from around the world". Around 18 months later, Sorare informed the league it faced three Gambling Commission charges for operating unlicensed gambling facilities, with trial set for June 2027. Addressing the court, the judge said: "I find on the NCA evidence that Sorare’s activities have continued in Great Britain since the date of the charges. "The Premier League continued to receive funds into the account until June 2025."