Swiss Regulator Accuses FIFA of Running Illegal NFT Gambling Platform

Switzerland’s gambling regulator has opened a criminal complaint against FIFA over its World Cup-themed Non-Fungible Token (NFT) platform. Geldspielaufsicht (GESPA), the Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority, claims that the platform, known as FIFA Collect, may have broken national gambling laws. 

The move marks a serious challenge for FIFA’s growing digital business and its use of blockchain technology to engage football fans worldwide.

Regulator Flags FIFA Collect as Unlicensed Gambling

In a recent statement, GESPA said it discovered FIFA Collect in early October. The platform lets users buy digital football collectibles and take part in online challenges or competitions. These activities often involve random draws, rewards, and cash prizes.

According to GESPA, anyone who wants to join must make a monetary payment, which makes it similar to gambling. The regulator explained that parts of the platform’s offerings fall under lotteries, while others resemble sports betting.

GESPA considers FIFA Collect to be operating illegally, as the platform does not hold a valid gambling license in Switzerland. Under the country’s gambling laws, the regulator is required to report such cases to prosecutors, who will decide whether FIFA has committed a criminal offense.

FIFA’s Digital Ambition Meets Legal Hurdles

FIFA, based in Zurich, is the world’s governing body for football. It launched the FIFA Collect project before the 2022 World Cup as part of its effort to bring fans closer to the game through digital collectibles. The NFTs were first hosted on the Algorand blockchain before moving to Polygon in 2023.

The platform offered fans the chance to own digital highlights of memorable football moments and even win real prizes, such as tickets to the 2026 World Cup. At launch, FIFA’s Chief Business Officer Romy Gai said the idea was to make football collectibles more accessible. 

While FIFA described the project as a fun and inclusive digital experience, Swiss regulators now view it differently, as a potential form of unlicensed gambling.

FIFA Makes Blockchain Plans Under Watchful Eyes

Despite the current complaint, FIFA has continued to expand its blockchain plans. Earlier this year, it announced the creation of its own blockchain network called FIFA Blockchain, which will be built on the Avalanche technology. The new network will host future NFTs and other digital products under FIFA’s control.

However, the GESPA complaint casts uncertainty over these plans. If prosecutors confirm that FIFA Collect broke gambling laws, FIFA could face fines or restrictions on how it runs digital platforms in Switzerland.