Barcelona distances itself from sponsor’s cryptocurrency after backlash
Barcelona has publicly clarified that it has “no connection whatsoever” to a digital coin launched by its new crypto sponsor, following criticism from supporters and observers.
Sports clubs frequently form sponsorship agreements in unconventional sectors to boost revenue — as seen when Arsenal partnered with Persil for fabric care in 2023, and Manchester City teamed up with Kellogg’s as its official breakfast cereal partner the same year.
However, far less is known about Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP), the company that signed a three-year sponsorship deal with Barcelona in mid-November. Soon after the agreement was announced, ZKP revealed the launch of its own cryptocurrency. That move raised concerns that Barcelona fans might be encouraged to invest in the token, prompting the club to distance itself from the project.
In a statement on its website, the club emphasized: “The club has no responsibility for, or involvement in, the issuance or management of this token, nor does it use the associated technology.”
Information about ZKP remains limited. The company also signed a similar sponsorship deal with Australian rugby league team Dolphins earlier in November. According to its website, the project is run by “a pseudonymous collective” operating across “multiple jurisdictions,” meaning it has not disclosed the identities or locations of those behind it.
Experts have noted that Barcelona’s global profile provides massive visibility to crypto firms like ZKP, but they also warn that supporters face significant risks when dealing with opaque projects. Sponsorships can create a misleading sense of credibility, they say, and fans should be extremely cautious before purchasing any crypto asset. Key questions — such as who controls the token, where its documentation is, and what protections exist if something goes wrong — remain unanswered in ZKP’s case.
Public information about the company is scarce, and it has claimed it has no single headquarters. Reports have noted that an earlier version of its terms listed an office in Apia, the capital of Samoa.
The name “ZKP” is also a commonly used term in blockchain technology referring to a method of enhancing privacy on distributed ledgers.
The sponsorship comes as Barcelona is reportedly under pressure to increase revenue and manage significant debt. According to football finance analysts, the club’s recent financial struggles may have pushed it toward accepting high-risk commercial deals without full clarity. At the same time, crypto companies often seek legitimacy and mainstream acceptance, and partnering with a globally recognized football club helps further those goals.
Former Barcelona youth player Xavier Vilajoana — who is reportedly preparing a run for club president — publicly urged the club to explain how the sponsorship was arranged. He also questioned ZKP’s connection to Andrew Tate, one of only three accounts the crypto project follows on X. Barcelona has been asked to provide further clarification on the matter.
