In Spain, a judicial investigation has been launched involving six prominent football players suspected of promoting a fraudulent NFT project linked to blockchain technology.
A Multi-Million Euro Scam at the Heart of Barcelona
In Barcelona, a judicial investigation has opened regarding Shirtum Europa SLU, a company that specialized in selling NFTs representing professional football players. Sold NFTs were priced at over €450, while the promised exchange platform was never launched. The investigation notes that funds were embezzled for personal use, with overall damages estimated to exceed €3 million.
Football Stars Caught Up in Judicial Turmoil
Among the accused are well-known footballers such as Alejandro Papu Gómez, Javier Saviola, and Ivan Rakitić. While investigators do not consider them masterminds, their active role in promoting the project raises serious questions about the morality and responsibility of celebrities in the crypto industry. The footballers lent their images in promotional videos to enhance the trustworthiness of an absent platform.
Trends and Consequences in the Crypto World
The situation raises numerous questions about the boundaries between promotional collaboration and moral co-responsibility. European regulators are preparing to tighten rules around crypto advertising, and this case may set a precedent for others in the future, especially as the influence of celebrities on financial products continues to increase.
The NFT scandal involving football stars underscores the need for accountability principles in the digital age. This case may serve as a textbook illustration of possible abuses in the Web3 world and set new standards for advertising practices.
