Manchester City end partnership with mysterious crypto firm 3Key Technologies

Manchester City are set to end their partnership with a mysterious cryptocurrency firm.

Start-up 3Key Technologies were announced as an ‘official regional partner’ two months ago. But the Premier League champions quickly suspended the deal after it emerged the company’s executives were not readily found online.

Sportsmail understands City – who maintain they had done due diligence on the firm – are now ready to sever ties with 3Key.

Start-up 3Key Technologies were announced as an ‘official regional partner’ two months ago 

The company were said to be launching a product in the coming months and had signed an agreement with City focused on regions away from the UK.

But questions were raised surrounding 3Key after those running the business did not appear on relevant internet searches.

City’s commercial drive has accelerated in recent years, with the club listing 30 global partners and 16 others in specific regions on their official website.

Emirates Palace, a five-star hotel based in Abu Dhabi operated by the Mandarin Oriental and owned by local government, was added to their commercial roster earlier this week.

City announced the ‘official luxury hotel partner’ on Tuesday and have used their facilities before as a base during training camps.

City maintain they had done due diligence on the firm but are now ready to sever ties with it

Pep Guardiola’s squad are expected to stay at Emirates Palace later this month if their planned warm-weather training break goes ahead.

Emirates Palace’s logo is now on the sleeve of the club’s training kit alongside Expo 2020 Dubai, with the club promoting the ‘new threads’ on their website.

Among those training were four academy graduates – Cole Palmer, James McAtee, Romeo Lavia and Luke Mbete – who are hoping for a chance in Friday’s third-round FA Cup tie at Swindon Town.

Meanwhile, City are considering offering Sergio Aguero ambassadorial duties at the club following his sudden retirement.