Sorare, a prominent partner of the Premier League, found itself in hot water as it pleaded not guilty in court to accusations of providing unlicensed gambling services to consumers in the United Kingdom. The French firm made its stance clear by entering three not-guilty pleas at the Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on a Friday morning.
The charges brought against Sorare by the Gambling Commission involve three counts of providing unlicensed gambling facilities remotely for consumers in the UK. These alleged offenses occurred at different time periods between February 2022 and April 2024. Despite the absence of any company representatives in court, their solicitor, Kwaku Awuku-Asabre, formally entered the pleas on their behalf.
It was in January 2023 when the Premier League proudly announced a four-year licensing deal with Sorare, allowing them to release digital cards of players from all 20 Premier League clubs as part of their free-to-play online fantasy football game. This partnership solidified Sorare’s presence as a key player in the digital sports world, being featured on the Premier League’s official website as a valued partner.
Sorare’s unique gaming concept involves players purchasing in cryptocurrency to acquire and manage virtual teams comprising digital player cards known as NFTs. Their website boasts of lucrative rewards, stating that users can compete for over $15,000,000 in cash prizes, VIP tickets, signed jerseys, and more.
Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters, expressed excitement about the alliance with Sorare, stating, “Sorare’s digital cards and innovative online game represent a new way for them to feel closer to the Premier League whether they are watching in the stadium or from around the world.”
The Gambling Commission had been scrutinizing Sorare since 2021 to determine if their services constitute gambling and thus require a license. In light of the charges, the Premier League refrained from making any public statements regarding Sorare’s legal troubles.
Liverpool, a prominent Premier League side, was one of Sorare’s former partners, having showcased their collaboration until the deal expired in May. Additionally, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe is linked with Sorare, endorsing the company on his social media channels.
Founded in Paris in 2018, Sorare boasts a global user base of three million spread across 180 countries. Noteworthy personalities such as Rio Ferdinand and Gerard Pique are among the investors and partners associated with the innovative gaming platform.
As Sorare navigates through legal challenges, the future of its operations remains uncertain. The world of digital sports and gaming awaits the outcome of this high-profile case with bated breath.
(Photo credit: Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
