Michaela
Switzerland’s gambling authority, Gespa, has launched an initial investigation into the sale of blockchain-based tokens issued by FIFA, which can be redeemed by fans for tickets to the 2026 World Cup.
Key points:
- Switzerland’s gambling regulator, Gespa, has opened a preliminary investigation into FIFA’s blockchain-based “Right-to-Buy” (RTB) tokens for the 2026 World Cup, examining whether they could be considered gambling.
- RTB tokens allow holders to purchase tickets at face value if their chosen team qualifies; token prices range from $299–$999 depending on team odds.
- Gespa can enforce compliance on Swiss companies, block foreign online platforms, and must notify authorities if violations are found, highlighting regulatory scrutiny of NFT-based fan engagement.
According to Bloomberg, Gespa, which regulates lotteries and sports betting in Switzerland, is reviewing whether FIFA’s “Right-to-Buy” (RTB) token sales constitute a chance to win World Cup tickets or resemble gambling. The regulator aims to assess whether FIFA’s offerings comply with local legal requirements.
“Based on an initial internal assessment, it cannot be ruled out that the offering on collect.fifa.com may be relevant under gambling legislation,” Gespa director Manuel Richard told Bloomberg. “Gespa will now proceed with further fact-finding to determine whether regulatory action is required,” he added.
Richard noted that concerns about FIFA’s platform only came to Gespa’s attention after Bloomberg’s inquiries, and emphasized that FIFA has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
The FIFA RTB tokens, promoted as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), do not serve as tickets themselves. Instead, they provide holders with the right to purchase tickets at face value for specific matches, contingent on their selected team qualifying for the relevant stage of the tournament.
The program debuted in 2024 for that year’s World Cup Final, featuring 1,000 tokens tied to various national teams. For the 2026 tournament, token prices range from $299 to $999, reflecting each team’s chances of reaching the final. Lower-priced tokens are assigned to underdog teams, while FIFA favorites like England, Argentina, and Brazil carry higher price tags.
Furthermore, Richard clarified that Gespa has the authority to compel Swiss-based companies to stop any illegal activity. For companies operating entirely online or from abroad, the regulator can instruct Swiss internet service providers to block access to their websites. Additionally, if any violations are confirmed, Gespa is legally required to notify criminal prosecution authorities.
Gespa’s probe spotlights growing scrutiny of blockchain-based fan engagement and digital ticketing in sports. As regulators worldwide examine how crypto intersects with traditional gaming and event access, the outcome could shape future approaches to NFT-based experiences, influencing both how fans participate and how organizations launch digital initiatives responsibly.
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Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
