FC Barcelona is under scrutiny following the announcement of a $22 million sponsorship agreement with Samoan cryptocurrency firm ZKP. The deal has drawn sharp criticism from former club board members, who have publicly questioned the partnership’s transparency and legitimacy. On social media platforms, one ex-official labeled the arrangement a ‘bad joke,’ emphasizing concerns over ZKP’s undisclosed ownership structure and limited operational history. The critics argue that entering into a high-value partnership with a relatively unknown entity in the volatile cryptocurrency sector exposes the club to significant reputational and financial risks. This controversy emerges as FC Barcelona seeks innovative revenue streams amid ongoing financial restructuring efforts. The club’s leadership has yet to issue a formal response to the allegations, leaving stakeholders and fans awaiting clarification on the due diligence processes undertaken before finalizing this agreement. Industry analysts note that while crypto partnerships offer potential financial benefits for sports organizations, they require rigorous vetting to safeguard institutional integrity and fan trust.
