FIFA faces scrutiny for its blockchain ticket system for the 2026 World Cup

By Hannah Pérez

The Swiss gambling regulator would be investigating FIFA for its innovative Blockchain -based ticket system that plans to implement for the 2026 World Cup.

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FIFA would be under the magnifying glass of the gambling regulator in Switzerland for its blockchain innovation.
The international soccer agency launched its own Blockchain network in alliance with Avalanche.
Plan to sell tickets and expand the digital experiences of users with their blockchain platform.
However, it faces Swiss regulators, who could now stop their plans, according to reports.

🚨 FIFA under investigation for its blockchain ticket system for the 2026 World Cup

The Swiss Gespa regulator analyzes whether the sale of tokens at https://t.co/qsutfljvai violates gambling laws

The platform allows you to buy tokens “Right to Buy” to access tickets … pic.twitter.com/qmkmurzuid

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The International Associated Football Federation (FIFA) is under the magnifying glass of the Swiss Games of Chance Regulator, GESPAdue to its innovative ticket sales system based on Blockchain for the 2026 World Cup, as reported Bloomberg This Monday.

Preliminary research seeks to determine if the platform collect.fifa.comwhich allows the purchase of tokens “Right to Buy”To ensure priority tickets, I could be violating the Swiss laws on gambling.

FIFA innovative system under suspicion

In May 2025, FIFA announced an alliance with Avalanche To launch your own network Blockchainan infrastructure aimed at revolutionizing the experience of fans through digital collectibles and priority ticket sales. In June, FIFA confirmed that its platform FIFA COLLECT I already operated on this network, offering “Immersive experiences”And unique collectibles for fans.

However, this system, which is reported has generated approximately USD $ 15 million in revenue for the sale of tens of thousands of tokens, now faces regulatory questions.

The “Right to Buy” tokens allow buyers to access guaranteed tickets for 2026 World Cup matches, which will be held in 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada. For example, the “Right to Final” token for England, with a cost of $ 999, gives the right to buy a ticket for the final, but only if the equipment classifies. These tokens quickly sold out, and FIFA recently launched a resale platform where tickets for the final reach prices of up to USD $ 30,000.

Swiss regulator research

According to the report, the Swiss Games Commission (GESPA) initiated an initial review after determining that it cannot be ruled out that the offer of collect.fifa.com fall under the legislation of gambling.

“Based on an initial internal evaluation, it cannot be ruled out that the offer in Collect.fifa.com can be relevant under legislation on gambling. GESPA will now proceed with a greater compilation of facts to determine if regulatory action is required”, Would have declared Manuel Richard, director of Gespa, according to the report. So far, FIFA has not been formally accused of irregularitiesand a spokesman for the agency declined to comment, he shared Bloomberg.

If Gespa concludes that the system violates Swiss laws, it could order FIFA to cease the sale of tokens, block access to the platform in Switzerland or even send the case to criminal authorities. This would represent a setback for FIFA, which expects to generate 11,000 million dollars in revenues between 2023 and 2026 with the World Cup.

Risks to fans

The tokens system has generated criticism by its speculative nature. According to Bloombergalmost half of the tokens, linked to 50 national selections, may not translate into real tickets if the equipment does not classify, leaving buyers with active assets. This model contrasts with the traditional ticket sales system in order of arrival used in previous tournaments.

FIFA operates its platform in collaboration with Modex Tech Ltd., A software company Blockchain With offices in Switzerland, Gibraltar and Italy, which until now has not been contacted by GESPA, according to the report.

The investigation could have a limited impact on the World Cup, since most matches will be played in the United States, where cryptocurrencies face less restrictions now under the administration of Donald Trump. However, an unfavorable resolution would affect the reputation of FIFA and the confidence of fans in their ticket system.

Use of Blockchain at the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will be the first to be co -elition by three countries, with most parties in US territory.

FIFA has opted for technology Blockchain To modernize the experience of fans, from the purchase of tickets to the possession of digital collectibles. On October 2, FIFA presented in New York the official ball of the tournament, called Trixmarking another milestone in the preparation of the event.

While FIFA continues to promote its technological vision, GESPA research underlines the regulatory challenges facing innovations with emerging technologies in large -scale sporting events. The outcome of this review could set a precedent for the use of this technology in the future of global football.

Article written with the help of AI, edited by Diariobitcoin

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