A fraudulent website masquerading as the “Diogo Jota Foundation” has mysteriously disappeared after allegedly collecting close to £50,000 in donations, none of which were linked to the late player’s family or Liverpool FC.
The scam site surfaced just days after Jota’s passing in July, positioning itself as a charitable initiative dedicated to youth, education, and community causes. To appear credible, it displayed the logos of Liverpool FC, UNICEF, Allianz, and the Portuguese Platform of Development NGOs—all of which later confirmed they had no association with it.
On Thursday, both Liverpool FC and Jota’s relatives publicly rejected any connection to the so-called foundation. The UK Charity Commission also clarified that no registration had ever been filed, despite legal requirements for charities raising more than £5,000 a year.
The website attempted to boost its legitimacy by boasting about achievements such as providing 25,000 meals, sponsoring 300 children, and creating 50 partnerships. It even claimed to fund football camps and scholarships. Yet, the only donation method offered was cryptocurrency, processed through an external platform.
That platform, NOWPayments, swiftly denied processing any transactions and said it suspended services immediately once the alleged scam was discovered.
In contrast, Liverpool FC has moved to honour Jota’s legacy through an authentic grassroots football programme under the LFC Foundation. Earlier this month, the club also launched a “Forever 20” commemorative T-shirt, with proceeds directed to support the new initiative in his name.
-Deeprows Sports
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