Barcelona and Manchester City both recently had to cut ties with two different cryptocurrency sponsorships. Firstly, Barcelona recently signed a deal with Ownix, which was announced by Ownix on November 5th.
The partnership was for Barcelona to launch non-fungible tokens (NFT) that customers could buy using Ethereum. Ethereum is a well-known digital currency similar to bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. It can be used for a myriad of things within the blockchain ecosystem.
NFTs would’ve allowed fans to purchase unique digital certificates of virtual items linked to the team’s history. Barcelona quickly severs ties after news broke that a businessman linked to the company was related to cryptocurrency fraud.
Barcelona came out with a statement to address the news, “In light of information received today that goes against the club’s values. FC Barcelona hereby communicates the cancellation of the contract to create and market NFT digital assets with Ownix with immediate effect.”
Manchester City, on the other hand, is closing down its connection with 3key. They were recently announced as a partner a week ago. The deal was for 3key to provide consulting services relating to cryptocurrencies and decentralized financial analysis.
That relationship was short-lived, as the football club suspended the partnership to do more investigation. One of the main catalysts behind this partnership is the fact that the company never had much online presence and the executives are unknown.
How this partnership even came about is left up for grabs by speculators.