CRYPTO WORRIES

CONCERNS have been raised over the growing influence on the Premier League of cryptocurrency firms, amid a swathe of fresh partnership agreements.

Manchester United became the latest top-flight side to endorse the technology last week as they announced a £20million-per-year training-kit deal with Switzerland-based crypto trading platform Tezos.

Players are getting in on the act, with Liverpool defender Andy Robertson (above) recently launching his own non-fungible token (NFT) – a digital-only artwork ‘asset’ that uses blockchain technology, the same as cryptocurrencies.

A Football Supporters’ Association spokesperson said: “FSA members have raised legitimate concerns about cryptocurrencybased engagement partnerships... some of those worries are shared by the Advertising Standards Agency, which said promotion of these deals trivialised the dangers around crypto assets.

“Clubs have a responsibility to vet their commercial partners... especially where there are serious questions about the lack of regulatory oversight.”

Problem-gambling charity GamCare said:

“The National Gambling Helpline is hearing from callers who feel the financial difficulties, and impact on mental health, related to trading can be synonymous with gambling problems.”