Barcelona Footballers Probed for NFT Scam in $3.4M Shirtum Case

Barcelona, June 11, 2025 – A Barcelona court has launched a criminal investigation into a $3.4 million Barcelona footballers NFT scam involving Shirtum Europa SLU, a cryptocurrency firm accused of defrauding investors through a failed non-fungible token (NFT) scheme. High-profile players, including World Cup winners Alejandro “Papu” Gómez and Lucas Ocampos, alongside 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, alleging that Shirtum Europa SLU misled them in a Barcelona footballers NFT scam, 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) in some cases, were purchased using the company’s $SHI token. According to court documents cited by El Periodico, the platform 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, with the footballers accused of promoting the fraudulent venture. Up to 11 alleged crimes, including fraud and tax evasion, are listed, though the players are not considered the main perpetrators.

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Footballers’ Role and Industry Trends

The footballers, primarily former Sevilla FC players who also played for Barcelona, are under scrutiny for their promotional roles in the Barcelona footballers NFT scam. The lawsuit, detailed by lawyer Ricardo Oliva León of Algoritmo Legal, 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. For example, FC Barcelona has issued its own NFTs and sold a 24.95% stake in Barca Vision to Socios, a blockchain firm, for €100 million. The Shirtum case highlights the risks of such ventures when transparency and delivery fall short.

Legal Proceedings

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, speaking to Reuters, noted, “The Barcelona footballers NFT scam 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. The footballers’ reputations are at stake as the court assesses their role in the alleged fraud. Meanwhile, investors seek justice for their losses in a case that underscores the volatility of the NFT market and the need for caution in sports-crypto partnerships.