World Cup Stars in Crypto Fraud Probe as Investors Lose Millions

Top football stars have become embroiled in a criminal investigation concerning a cryptocurrency project that allegedly defrauded investors of over $3.4 million. The probe centers on Shirtum Europa SLU, which vanished shortly after advertising inactive digital collectibles linked to player image rights. Six footballers named in the complaint – World Cup winners and former Barcelona and Sevilla players such as Alejandro Gomez, Lucas Ocampos, Ivan Rakitic, Javier Saviola, Nico Pareja, and Alberto Moreno – are accused of deceiving investors by officially endorsing Shirtum, which lacked a viable platform.