Investigation into FIFA’s Blockchain Collectibles
In Switzerland, the gambling regulator known as Gespa has initiated an investigation into FIFA’s recently unveiled blockchain-based collectible system, referred to as “Right-to-Buy” (RTB). This inquiry aims to evaluate whether FIFA’s operations align with local gambling regulations, as reported by Bloomberg.
FIFA Collect Platform
FIFA is offering these RTB collectibles through its FIFA Collect platform, granting fans access to purchase tickets for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, set to take place across North America. Though the collectibles are initially available directly from FIFA, they can also be resold on secondary marketplaces.
Antonio Lorenzon, the Chief Marketing Officer of Modex Technologies, which serves as FIFA’s exclusive partner for the digital collectibles initiative, stated, “Our mission is to bring fans closer to the game they love. By introducing Right-To-Buy on FIFA Collect, we are offering supporters a new and more direct way to be part of FIFA World Cup 26, turning digital collectibles into real-world opportunities.”
Regulatory Examination
As part of its examination, Gespa is gathering additional information to assess whether any regulatory measures need to be taken.
Ticket Acquisition and Pricing
Fans using FIFA Collect can acquire the RTB collectibles either through surprise packs or by purchasing them on the secondary market. Priced from $149 for a single match ticket in Houston, these collectibles can reach up to $7,000 for premium access to the opening match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. While holding one of these collectibles allows users to bypass the general ticket purchasing queue, they must still pay for the actual match tickets, as the collectibles only secure the option to buy.
World Cup Ticket Sales
The official sale of World Cup tickets is occurring in stages, with a Visa Early Presale completed in mid-September. The next phase is scheduled for the end of October, alongside subsequent sales and lotteries leading up to the tournament.
Platform Transition
Specific tickets have been allocated for FIFA Collect users. It’s worth noting that while the FIFA Collect platform was initially launched on the Algorand blockchain in 2022, FIFA decided to transition away from proof-of-stake technology this year, announcing plans to develop its own Avalanche layer-1 network. This shift aims to enhance both the digital collectible experience and the overall fan interaction aspects of the platform.
As of now, there has been no response from either FIFA Collect representatives or Gespa regarding this investigation.
