Football Icons Shaken by NFT Trap: Barcelona Players Probed in $3.4M Shirtum Case
4 days ago
3 min read
Football icons, including World Cup winners and former FC Barcelona stars, are embroiled in a criminal investigation concerning a $3.4 million NFT scam. The case, centered on the failed Shirtum project, alleges that players' endorsements lent false credibility to a scheme that defrauded investors, raising significant questions about celebrity involvement in crypto ventures.
Football Stars Entangled in $3.4 Million NFT Scandal
A Barcelona court has launched a criminal investigation into a $3.4 million NFT scam involving Shirtum Europa SLU, a cryptocurrency firm accused of defrauding investors. High-profile footballers, including World Cup winners Alejandro "Papu" Gómez and Lucas Ocampos, along with Ivan Rakitic, Nico Pareja, Alberto Moreno, and Javier Saviola, are named in a lawsuit for promoting the Shirtum project.
Allegations of Fraud and Mismanagement
The investigation, initiated by Barcelona's Fifth District Court, follows a lawsuit filed by 12 investors in early 2025. They allege that Shirtum Europa SLU misled them, costing them at least €3 million ($3.4 million). The NFTs, marketed as exclusive digital collectibles tied to footballers' image rights and priced at over €450 ($513), were purchased using the company's $SHI token. The platform reportedly failed to deliver a functional product, and funds were allegedly diverted for personal use before the project collapsed.
Spanish prosecutors claim that Shirtum leveraged the footballers' endorsements to gain credibility, presenting them as "founders" or ambassadors. The lawsuit names Manuel Ángel T.P., his son Marc T.G., Manuel M.P., and David R. as the primary orchestrators. Up to 11 alleged crimes, including fraud and tax evasion, are listed, though the players are not considered the main perpetrators.
Key Takeaways
High-Profile Involvement: Several renowned footballers, including World Cup winners, are under scrutiny for their promotional roles.
Significant Financial Loss: Investors claim losses exceeding $3.4 million due to the unfulfilled promises of the NFT project.
Credibility Through Endorsement: Prosecutors allege that the footballers' endorsements were crucial in legitimizing the fraudulent venture.
Broader Industry Implications: The case highlights the risks of sports-crypto partnerships and may lead to stricter regulations on celebrity crypto endorsements.
Footballers' Role and Industry Trends
The footballers, primarily former Sevilla FC players who also played for Barcelona, are under scrutiny for their promotional roles. The lawsuit alleges that their endorsements lent legitimacy to a project promising a digital platform for trading football-themed NFTs, which never materialized. Investors claim they received no value for their investments, and Shirtum Europa was allegedly "emptied" of assets.
This case reflects broader trends in Spanish football, where a ban on gambling ads in La Liga has pushed clubs and players toward cryptocurrency partnerships. The Shirtum case highlights the risks of such ventures when transparency and delivery fall short.
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
The investigation, which began on June 10, 2025, is overseen by Barcelona's Court of Instruction No. 5. The court is probing whether the footballers' involvement went beyond promotion and if they knew of the project's fraudulent nature. As of June 11, 2025, no formal charges have been filed against the players, but the case could redefine accountability in celebrity-endorsed crypto projects.
A Spanish financial regulator noted that the case "underscores the need for stricter oversight in sports-crypto collaborations." The scandal may drive calls for enhanced regulations on crypto endorsements, as investors and authorities push for greater transparency. As the investigation continues, the Barcelona footballers NFT scam could reshape how athletes engage with cryptocurrency ventures, with the footballers' reputations at stake.
Sources
Barcelona Footballers NFT Scam - Court Probes $3.4M Shirtum Case, Blockchain Magazine.
Famous Footballers Named In Multi-million NFT Scam, Cointribune.