Barcelona distances itself from sponsor's cryptocurrency after backlash
The Spanish football giant Barcelona has told fans it has "no connection whatsoever" with the digital coin offered by its new crypto partner, following criticism over the deal.
Clubs often pick up sponsors in unusual areas to bring in extra money - with Arsenal bringing in Persil as its fabric care partner in 2023, and Kellogg's becoming Manchester City's breakfast cereal partner that same year.
But far less is known about Zero Knowledge Proof (ZKP), which signed a three-year sponsorship deal in mid-November with Barcelona.
ZKP then announced a cryptocurrency, prompting concerns Barcelona fans could be led to invest in it - leading the club to distance itself from the coin.
"The club has no responsibility for, or involvement in, the issuance or management of this token, nor does it use the associated technology," the club said in a statement on its website.
