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UK regulator warns Premier League clubs over crypto sponsor deals
The regulator said clubs could face legal, money-laundering and reputational risks if they promote firms not authorized to operate in Britain.
On Wednesday, the Financial Conduct Authority warned Premier League clubs that sponsorships with unauthorized crypto firms may breach UK financial promotion rules, exposing teams to legal liability, money laundering risks, and reputational damage.
Regulators raised concerns that unauthorized firms use high-profile sponsorships to target fans, who risk losing all their money without regulatory protections, FCA director Lucy Castledine said.
While Kraken is on the FCA's registry, OKX is not, reflecting different risk profiles; Manchester City generated $475 million in 2025 revenue, underscoring sponsorship's financial importance to clubs.
Sports Minister Stephanie Peacock stated that while sponsorship income is vital, fans "deserve to know that the companies associated with their clubs are responsible, accountable and safe to use."
Neither Manchester City nor OKX responded to requests for comment, as the FCA continues urging clubs to strengthen due diligence checks to protect supporters from potentially "dodgy products.