- FCA warns EPL clubs to avoid partnering with unauthorized cryptocurrency firms.
- 13 of the 20 EPL clubs had crypto sponsorship deals during the 2025/2026 season.
- The FCA warned fans that using unregulated crypto firms may lead to losses.
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned football clubs within its jurisdiction, including those in the English Premier League (EPL), to avoid partnering with unauthorized cryptocurrency establishments.
Sponsorship With Unauthorized Crypto Firms
In a statement released on Wednesday, the FCA told the clubs that sponsorship deals with unauthorized crypto firms and trading platforms could expose them to legal liability, money laundering, and reputational damage.
According to the regulator, such crypto firms may be breaching UK financial promotion rules, using high-profile sponsorships to target football fans despite being restricted from operating in Britain. The FCA communicated with Premier League clubs and others in writing, raising concerns about existing partnerships and urging the clubs to step up checks.
The FCA’s Director of Consumer Investments, Lucy Castledine, said millions of football fans trust their club’s badge. Hence, clubs should not let unauthorized financial firms exploit that loyalty by using their platforms for advertising.
EPL Clubs and Crypto Sponsorship
It is worth noting that 13 out of the 20 clubs that participated in the EPL during the 2025/2026 season had active sponsorship from cryptocurrency and digital asset companies. The deals range from official exchange designations to shirt and sleeve sponsorships.
Among the top EPL clubs with sponsorship deals during the 2025/2026 season are Manchester City, which partnered with OKX as their official sleeve and training kit sponsor, Tottenham Hotspur, which had Kraken as an official crypto and sleeve partner, and Chelsea, which had BingX as an official partner for crypto exchange and training wear.
Fans Need to Take Responsibility
In the meantime, the FCA noted that it had contacted clubs where it identified concerns, promising to take action where needed. The regulator alerted fans patronizing unregulated firms for crypto transactions, warning them about the risk of losing their money and not having access to regulatory protection.
Meanwhile, Sports Minister Stephaine Peacock acknowledges the importance of sponsorship income for the industry. However, she noted that fans deserve to know that the companies associated with their clubs are responsible, accountable, and safe to use.
Sponsorship and commercial deals are significant to clubs’ income, having overtaken broadcasting as the dominant source of revenue. In 2025, Manchester City generated $475 million from sponsorship deals, surpassing its broadcast revenue of $285.2 million.
Related: FCA Cracks Down on Illegal Cryptocurrency Trading in London
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