FC Barcelona has drawn sharp criticism after signing a three-year sponsorship agreement with Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP), a “little-known” blockchain startup registered in Samoa that had only dozens of social media followers when the deal was announced.

As first reported by the FT, the partnership has sparked accusations that the club is desperately chasing revenue while potentially exposing fans to financial risks through a company that offers minimal transparency into its operations or leadership.

The Catalan giant announced the agreement on November 15, making ZKP its official blockchain technology partner, despite the company’s thin digital footprint and offshore registration in a jurisdiction the European Union lists as a tax haven.

Official: FC Barcelona have announced a new global sponsor: Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP), a Samoa-based AI and blockchain company.

The agreement runs until 2028 and includes digital advertising assets and fan experiences, though the company’s tiny social-media presence has… pic.twitter.com/mYejuVSQGb

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 15, 2025

Critics have pointed to troubling connections, including controversial influencer Andrew Tate promoting zero-knowledge proof systems hours after the deal went public, with a version of his video featuring ZKP’s logo later distributed through the company’s Telegram channel.

Red Flags and Missing Details

ZKP introduced itself with its first post on X, which had only 33 followers, following only FC Barcelona, Bitcoin, and Andrew Tate.

The company held its first auction of 200 million coins on November 21. While ZKP’s website claims commitment to transparency, it provides scant detail about who runs the operation or who provided the $100 million financing it claims to have secured.

“Everyone asks, ‘Who’s behind this?’ As if knowing the names would make the code stronger. It won’t. We’re real — engineers, cryptographers, ex-founders, system killers. But we’re not playing the PR game,” the company states on its website.

Martin Calladine, author of No Questions Asked: How football joined the crypto con, described the information deficit as “deeply concerning” and warned that Barcelona fans could be lured into purchasing coins “that could easily end up being worthless.“

Former Barcelona board director Xavier Vilajoana questioned what due diligence the club conducted before finalizing the agreement.

Sembla un mal acudit, però malauradament és real.

El FC Barcelona ha anunciat un acord de patrocini amb ZKP, una empresa de blockchain poc coneguda registrada a Samoa, una jurisdicció que la UE inclou a la llista de paradisos fiscals. En el moment d’anunciar-se l’acord, el…

— Xavier Vilajoana (@XaviVilajoana) November 18, 2025

“It is incredibly concerning that Barca’s leadership would choose to associate the club with a company whose background raises so many red flags,” he said, warning that partnering with a secretive crypto startup signals “desperation” at the financially stricken organization.

On November 26, Barcelona issued a statement distancing itself from ZKP’s newly announced FCB token, clarifying that the club has “no connection whatsoever” to it.

Official: Barça distanced itself from ZKP’s newly announced FCB token, saying the club has zero involvement in its creation, management or tech.

The token wasn’t part of their sponsorship deal and Barça says it’ll share updates only when there’s clear, confirmed info. pic.twitter.com/N050GjOuLJ

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 26, 2025

Financial Pressure Mounts

The ZKP partnership arrives as Barcelona grapples with severe financial pressure following an ill-judged player-buying spree between 2017 and 2019.

The club has been punished repeatedly for breaching Spanish football’s spending limit, with its latest accounts showing net debt of €469 million plus more than €900 million in stadium-related borrowing.

Barcelona has attempted to improve its finances through asset sales, including portions of its long-term television income. Still, costly delays to its stadium renovation have made revenue generation more urgent.

Barcelona’s other Web3 ventures have also faltered. The club booked a €141 million writedown last year after a deal to sell a stake in Barça Vision collapsed when investors failed to make payments.

Despite setbacks, Barcelona has maintained its digital asset initiatives, including selling its first NFT for $693,000 at Sotheby’s in July 2022 and launching FC Barcelona Fan Tokens through Chiliz and Socios in June 2020, which sold out for $1.3 million in less than 2 hours.

Sold out. @socios The $BAR @FCBarcelona token flash sale sold more than $1.3m in less than 2 hours, with $777k in less than 2 minutes on our crypto exchange @chiliz. Fans & crypto enthusiasts bought from 106 countries!!! There was 5x more demand ($6m++) on our platforms. pic.twitter.com/OKxmsbVAte

— Alexandre Dreyfus (@alex_dreyfus) June 22, 2020

Growing Industry Trend

Crypto firms have rushed to sponsor football clubs in recent years. However, many deals have ended in acrimony, with Inter Milan, Roma, Chelsea, and Atlético Madrid among clubs that entered agreements that were terminated early.

Despite cautionary tales, the trend continues to accelerate. Paris Saint-Germain revealed in May 2025 that it had become the first sports entity to adopt a Bitcoin treasury strategy.

A Sport Quake study found that football accounted for 43% of all crypto and digital asset sponsorships in the 2024/25 season, representing a 64% year-over-year increase.

Recent partnerships include Kadena’s four-year agreement with the Croatian Football Federation in February and Tether’s acquisition of a minority stake in Juventus FC.

Barcelona’s partnership with ZKP nevertheless stands apart for the opacity surrounding the company and the speed at which red flags emerged.

The post FC Barcelona Faces Backlash Over Sponsorship with Obscure Crypto Firm appeared first on Cryptonews.

Google Chrome browser’s new enhanced autofill feature can now remember and automatically fill in personal data such as…

💾

 

 

 

 

 

Dabbing Evolved — A New Era of Concentrate Devices

 

Dabbing has always been about pushing the limits of potency, flavour, and experience when enjoying concentrates. But for years, traditional rigs with glass nails, butane torches, and complicated setups made it harder to access. Now, thanks to e-dabbing technology, devices like electric dab rigs, dab pens, and electronic dab tools are changing the game — offering precision, convenience, and consistent flavour without the hassle.

 

At The Vault, we’re excited to introduce a full line of Focus V dabbing products. These cutting-edge devices — Carta Sport, Aeris, and the Saber electronic dab tool — take everything you love about concentrates and make it cleaner, safer, and easier to enjoy.

 

---

 

Focus V Carta Sport — Premium E-Rig Power

 

The Focus V Carta Sport is a flagship electric dab rig built for performance and reliability. With a 35% larger battery than the Carta 2, it offers up to 50+ dabs per charge, USB-C fast charging, and Bluetooth app support for precision control.

 

Highlights include the removable airpath system for easier cleaning, a glass + silicone control stick for adjustable airflow, and a rugged, travel-ready design with IPX4 water resistance. It also supports Intelli-Core atomisers for boosted flavour and vapour density. If you’re looking for an advanced e-rig that combines flavour, power, and durability, the Carta Sport is your perfect match.

 

 

 

Buy Focus V Carta Sport from The Vault

 

---

 

 

Focus V Aeris — Compact Dab Pen with Big Performance

 

For concentrate fans who want something more portable, the Focus V Aeris brings the performance of an e-rig into a sleek, pocket-sized dab pen. Don’t let its size fool you — this device is built with the same 360° Intelli-Core ceramic chamber technology found in larger rigs, meaning it delivers even heating, rich terpene flavour, and consistently smooth vapour without the risk of burnt spots.

 

The Aeris is designed with flexibility in mind. Its swappable battery pack means you’ll never be caught short during a session, while the adjustable airflow system lets you fine-tune each hit to your preference. With preset temperature modes, it’s easy to lock in your ideal settings for reliable performance.

 

Compact and discreet, the Aeris is perfect for dabbing on the move, making it a go-to choice for travellers, festival-goers, or anyone who prefers their sessions on the down-low. Despite its small size, it doesn’t compromise on vapour quality, giving you the flavour and satisfaction of a larger rig in a highly portable package.

 

 

Buy Focus V Aeris from The Vault

 

---

 

 

 

Focus V Saber — Smart Electronic Dab Tool

 

The Focus V Saber is a next-generation electronic dab tool that eliminates the mess and guesswork of handling concentrates. Traditional dabbers often leave you with sticky residue, wasted product, and awkward loading — but the Saber changes everything with its smart design and intuitive features.

 

With three precise power levels, the Saber gives you control whether you’re gently warming delicate extracts or powering through thicker concentrates. The built-in LED spotlight helps you see exactly what you’re doing, while the interchangeable ceramic tips make cleaning and upkeep simple.

 

Fast-heating and USB-C rechargeable, the Saber delivers quick, efficient handling without waste. Its one-button operation makes it beginner-friendly, while seasoned dabbers will appreciate the added precision and simplicity it brings to every session.

 

 

 

Buy Focus V Saber Electronic Dab Tool from The Vault

 

---

 

 

Why Upgrade to E-Dabbing with Focus V?

 

Compared to traditional rigs, Focus V devices bring huge advantages:

No butane torches or open flames

Precise temperature control for consistent vapour

Easier cleaning and maintenance

Portable, rugged, and travel-friendly

Optimised for flavour and potency

If you’re ready to experience concentrates at their best, Focus V offers some of the finest e-dab rigs, dab pens, and electronic dab tools available today.

 

Start Your E-Dabbing Journey Today

 

Dabbing has evolved — and so should your setup. Whether you want the power of the Carta Sport, the portability of the Aeris, or the precision of the Saber, Focus V makes it simple to enjoy concentrates with style and control.

 

Browse the full Focus V E-Dabbing range.

 

Newsletter Sign Up

 

Make sure you never miss another Vault promo – sign up for our newsletter!

 

Legal Disclaimer: The competition winners will have their prizes sent to them via recorded delivery. Please, double-check you’re giving us your full address correctly. If you win the competition but don’t receive your prize, we cannot resend competition prizes, so you’ll have to raise this with your local delivery service (In the UK, for example, this would be Royal Mail).

 

Remember: It is illegal to germinate cannabis seeds in many countries including the UK. It is our duty to inform you of this fact and to urge you to obey all of your local laws to the letter. The Vault only ever sells or sends out seeds for souvenir, collection or novelty purposes.

 

 

 

The post Focus V E Dabbing Products Now Available at The Vault first appeared on Cannabis Seeds News.

It’s the month of top seeds, big upsets, and Cinderella runs by the underdogs. With March Madness basketball cranking up, a fair share of online betting will be sure to follow—along with online betting scams. 

Since a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2018, individual states can determine their own laws for sports betting. Soon after, states leaped at the opportunity to legalize it in some form or other. Today, nearly 40 states and the District of Columbia have “live and legal” sports betting, meaning that people can bet on single-game sports through a retail or online sportsbook or a combination of the two in their state. 

And it has made billions of dollars for the government.

If you’re a sports fan, this news has probably been hard to miss. Or at least the outcome of it all has been hard to miss. Commercials and signage in and around games promote several major online betting platforms. Ads have naturally made their way online too, complete with all kinds of promo offers to encourage people to get in on the action. However, that’s also opened the door for scammers who’re looking to take advantage of people looking to make a bet online, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Often through shady or outright phony betting sites. 

Let’s take a look at the online sports betting landscape, some of the scams that are cropping up, and some things you can do to make a safer bet this March or any time.  

Can I bet on sports in my state, and how? 

Among the 30 states that have “live and legal” sports betting, 19 offer online betting, a number that will likely grow given various state legislation that’s either been introduced or will be introduced soon. 

If you’re curious about what’s available in your state, this interactive map shows the status of sports betting on a state-by-state level. Further, clicking on an individual state on the map will give you yet more specifics, such as the names of retail sportsbooks and online betting services that are legal in the state. For anyone looking to place a bet, this is a good place to start. It’s also helpful for people who are looking to get into online sports betting for the first time, as this is the sort of homework that the BBB advises people to do before placing a sports bet online. In their words, you can consider these sportsbooks to be “white-labeled” by your state’s gaming commission.

 

However, the BBB stresses that people should be aware that the terms and conditions associated with online sports betting will vary from service to service, as will the promotions that they offer. The BBB accordingly advises people to closely read these terms, conditions and offers. For one, “Gambling companies can restrict a user’s activity,” meaning that they can freeze accounts and the funds associated with them based on their terms and conditions. Also, the BBB cautions people about those promo offers that are often heavily advertised, “[L]ike any sales pitch, these can be deceptive. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.” 

Scammers and online betting 

Where do scammers enter the mix? The BBB points to the rise of consumer complaints around bogus betting sites: 

“You place a bet, and, at first, everything seems normal. But as soon as you try to cash out your winnings, you find you can’t withdraw a cent. Scammers will make up various excuses. For example, they may claim technical issues or insist on additional identity verification. In other cases, they may require you to deposit even more money before you can withdraw your winnings. Whatever you do, you’ll never be able to get your money off the site. And any personal information you shared is now in the hands of scam artists.” 

If there’s a good reason you should stick to the “white labeled” sites that are approved by your state’s gaming commission, this is it. Take a pass on any online ads that promote betting sites, particularly if they roll out big and almost too-good-to-be-true offers. These may lead you to shady or bogus sites. Instead, visit the ones that are approved in your state by typing in their address directly into your browser. 

Ready to place your bet? Keep these things in mind. 

In addition to what we mentioned above, there are several other things you can do to make your betting safer. 

1) Check the rep of the service.

In addition to choosing a state-approved option, check out the organization’s BBB listing at BBB.org. Here you can get a snapshot of customer ratings, complaints registered against the organization, and the organization’s response to the complaints, along with its BBB rating, if it has one. Doing a little reading here can be enlightening, giving you a sense of what issues arise and how the organization has historically addressed them. For example, you may see a common complaint and how it’s commonly resolved. You may also see where the organization has simply chosen not to respond, all of which can shape your decision whether to bet with them or not. 

2) Use a secure payment method other than your debit card.

Credit cards are a good way to go. One reason why is the Fair Credit Billing Act, which offers protection against fraudulent charges on credit cards by giving you the right to dispute charges over $50 for goods and services that were never delivered or otherwise billed incorrectly. Your credit card companies may have their own policies that improve upon the Fair Credit Billing Act as well. Debit cards don’t get the same protection under the Act. 

3) Get online protection.

Comprehensive online protection software will defend you against the latest virus, malware, spyware, and ransomware attacks plus further protect your privacy and identity. In addition to this, it can also provide strong password protection by generating and automatically storing complex passwords to keep your credentials safer from hackers and crooks who may try to force their way into your accounts. And, specific to betting sites, online protection can help prevent you from clicking links to known or suspected malicious sites. 

Make the safe(r) bet 

With online betting cropping up in more and more states for more and more people, awareness of how it works and how scammers have set up their presence within it becomes increasingly important. Research is key, such as knowing who the state-approved sportsbooks and services are, what types of betting are allowed, and where. By sticking to these white-label offerings and reading the fine print in terms, conditions, and promo offers, people can make online betting safer and more enjoyable. 

Editor’s Note: If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, you can seek assistance from a qualified service or professional. Several states have their own helplines, and nationally you can reach out to resources like http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ or https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/. 

The post How to Protect Yourself from March Madness Scams appeared first on McAfee Blog.