The Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority (Gespa) is actively investigating FIFA’s blockchain-based “Right-to-Buy” (RTB) tokens. The core question is whether these digital assets comply with national gambling laws, given increasing concerns about their speculative nature and limited practical use. Manuel Richard, Director of Gespa, stated that an initial internal review didn’t provide enough information to close the case, requiring a more in-depth fact-finding mission. Introduced in 2024, these tokens theoretically grant holders conditional access to tickets for the 2026 World Cup finals if their national team qualifies. They can also be traded on FIFA’s dedicated NFT marketplace.
Are These Tokens Really for Fans, or Do They Just Mimic Gambling?
The RTB tokens have already generated millions in revenue, with individual prices ranging from $299 (roughly Rs. 26,500) to $999 (roughly Rs. 88,600). Tokens for teams considered underdogs were offered at lower prices, while those for football powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, or France commanded higher sums. A major point of contention is that ticket access is entirely dependent on a team’s qualification, meaning many token holders might ultimately receive no benefit from their purchase. Critics argue this system more closely resembles gambling than a legitimate digital collectible. Previously, FIFA sold tickets directly on a transparent, first-come, first-served basis.
Interestingly, Switzerland’s gambling regulator initiated this investigation without receiving any formal complaints. Richard informed Bloomberg that Gespa is currently evaluating whether FIFA’s platform, collect.fifa.com, falls under existing gambling legislation and if regulatory action is necessary. FIFA utilizes blockchain technology, with its marketplace powered by Modex, to enable token holders to trade these digital rights on secondary markets and to purchase actual tickets at face value, provided the specific conditions are met.
FIFA has been exploring the world of NFTs and Web3 since 2022, initially launching ‘FIFA Collect’ in collaboration with Algorand. The platform later transitioned its marketplace to Avalanche. The federation also ventured into Web3 gaming with ‘FIFA Rivals,’ which allows users to manage virtual clubs and trade NFT player cards.
While FIFA promotes NFT technology as a way to enhance transparency and digital ownership for the incredibly high demand of World Cup tickets, the ongoing regulatory scrutiny highlights critical concerns. Issues like fairness, transparency, and the perceived resemblance to gambling are prompting national authorities to examine blockchain innovations with greater care and caution.