FC Barcelona has terminated its sponsorship agreement with blockchain firm Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP), bringing an abrupt end to a partnership announced only weeks earlier after mounting concerns over transparency, governance, and reputational risk.
The Spanish football giant confirmed that it had rescinded the deal without financial penalty following internal reviews by its legal and compliance teams. In a statement, the club said it identified actions by the sponsor that did not align with the contractual terms of the agreement, prompting a decision to dissolve the partnership.
Barcelona also reiterated that it has no connection to any cryptocurrency or token linked to ZKP, stressing that it neither participated in nor endorsed any digital asset issuance related to the company.
From Blockchain Partnership to Public Backlash
The agreement, unveiled in mid-November, named ZKP as FC Barcelona’s official cryptographic protocol partner through 2028. The partnership was presented as a technology-focused collaboration centered on data privacy and digital innovation, at a time when the club continues to seek new revenue streams amid ongoing financial pressures and the redevelopment of Camp Nou.
However, scrutiny quickly followed. ZKP, a relatively unknown entity registered in offshore jurisdictions, provided limited public information about its leadership, operations, or product history. Observers and supporters raised questions over the firm’s credibility, noting the lack of transparency surrounding its structure and governance.
Concerns escalated further when ZKP launched a cryptocurrency token shortly after the sponsorship announcement. The timing sparked fears that the company was leveraging FC Barcelona’s global brand to lend credibility to a speculative digital asset offering.
Club Moves to Distance Itself
As criticism mounted across social media and in the press, FC Barcelona issued an initial clarification stating that it had no involvement in the token, did not promote it, and bore no responsibility for its issuance or management. The club emphasized that digital assets were never part of the commercial agreement.
Despite those assurances, the situation continued to deteriorate. Reports later revealed that ZKP was linked to controversial figures and operated through opaque structures, intensifying pressure on the club to act decisively.
Barcelona’s legal department subsequently initiated termination proceedings, which the club described as a corrective step following an internal error in the sponsorship vetting process. The contract was ultimately dissolved without cost to the club.
Broader Implications for Crypto Sponsorships in Football
The episode has reignited debate over the growing intersection between professional sports and digital asset companies. While crypto sponsorships have become increasingly common as clubs seek alternative revenue sources, critics argue that such partnerships can expose fans to confusion and risk when transparency standards are insufficient.
Industry experts note that sponsorships, even when limited to branding or technology, can create an implicit sense of trust among supporters, particularly when associated with globally recognized institutions like FC Barcelona.
For the club, the ZKP affair highlights the reputational stakes involved in selecting partners in emerging sectors. For the broader sports industry, it serves as another cautionary example of the need for rigorous due diligence, especially as crypto-related sponsorships continue to evolve.
FC Barcelona reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, institutional integrity, and protecting its supporters, signaling that future partnerships will be subject to heightened scrutiny.
