FC Barcelona Officially Distances Itself from Controversial Cryptocurrency Sponsor Amid Backlash
FC Barcelona has publicly distanced itself from its cryptocurrency sponsor, a controversial Samoan startup named Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP), following significant backlash and growing skepticism about the legitimacy of the partnership. The football club issued a firm official statement to clarify that it does not endorse or support the cryptocurrency project linked to the sponsorship.
The announcement comes after mounting criticism pointed to the suspicious nature of the ZKP startup, which has faced doubts regarding its authenticity and business practices. This has caused concerns among fans, investors, and the broader community around FC Barcelona’s decision to associate with such a project. ZKP, registered in Samoa, has been described by some observers as a questionable entity within the volatile and often unregulated crypto market.
FC Barcelona’s move to distance itself came in response to the negative reactions that emerged following the initial sponsorship reveal. The club emphasized that it had no direct involvement or endorsement of the cryptocurrency investment platform, aiming to protect its brand reputation and maintain transparency with its supporters.
Details about the ZKP project remain scarce, and the lack of clear communication from the startup has only fueled speculation and mistrust. Experts in cryptocurrency warn about the risks of partnerships between major sports entities and unverified crypto firms, especially given the frequency of scams and frauds within the sector.
This is not the first time a major football club has faced complications when engaging with crypto sponsorships, highlighting the need for greater due diligence and scrutiny before entering such agreements. FC Barcelona’s swift reaction to clarify its position may serve as a cautionary tale for how sports organizations navigate the complex crypto sponsorship landscape in the future.