FCA Warns Football Clubs Over Unauthorised Trading Platform Sponsors

The Financial Conduct Authority has warned football clubs not to sign sponsorship deals with financial firms that are not authorised to operate in the UK, naming crypto businesses and trading platforms as part of the risk set.

The regulator said on 3 June 2026 that some unauthorised firms are using sponsorships to reach football fans. It has written directly to clubs, mainly in the Premier League, reminding them to check whether financial-services sponsors are allowed to promote or provide services to UK consumers.

For traders, the warning is a reminder that a visible brand placement does not equal regulatory status. A broker, crypto venue, or trading app can look polished, appear in mainstream sports marketing, and still sit outside the UK permissions framework. The FCA also highlighted that consumers using unauthorised firms may have no protection if things go wrong.

Why it matters

Sports sponsorship has become a credibility shortcut for trading and crypto brands. That makes the FCA’s intervention relevant beyond football: traders should treat sponsorships, shirt logos, and venue branding as marketing, not due diligence.

Before opening an account, UK users should verify a firm’s permissions on the FCA register and check whether financial promotions have been approved by an authorised firm. This is especially important for high-risk products where recovery options can be limited.

What to watch next

The FCA said it is working with the Government, the Premier League, and the Independent Football Regulator. The practical next step is whether clubs tighten sponsor checks and whether the FCA follows up with warning-list additions, takedown requests, or enforcement action against specific firms.