The Financial Conduct Authority has warned UK football clubs not to sign sponsorship deals with unauthorised financial services firms, saying some crypto businesses and trading platforms are using club sponsorships to target fans and may be providing services in the UK without authorisation. The FCA wrote directly to clubs, mainly in the Premier League, and said fans who use these firms could lose all their money and are likely to have no protection if things go wrong. The regulator said sponsorship deals with unauthorised firms can expose clubs to legal liability, money laundering risks and reputational damage. It expects every UK football club to carry out due diligence on financial services sponsors before signing and on an ongoing basis. Where it has already identified concerns, it has contacted the relevant club directly, and it said it will take action where needed. The FCA is also engaging with the Government, the Premier League and the Independent Football Regulator on the issue.
Financial Conduct Authority2026-06-03
Financial Conduct Authority warns football clubs over sponsorship deals with unauthorised financial firms
The Financial Conduct Authority has warned UK football clubs against sponsorship deals with unauthorised financial services firms, including some crypto businesses and trading platforms, which may be targeting fans and operating in the UK without authorisation. The FCA said such deals can create legal, money laundering and reputational risks for clubs, and expects them to conduct robust due diligence on financial sponsors, adding that it has contacted clubs where it has identified concerns and will take action where needed.