Switzerland’s gambling watchdog has filed a criminal complaint against FIFA over its World Cup-themed NFT platform, alleging that the global football body may have breached national gambling laws.
The Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority, known as GESPA, said it became aware in early October of the FIFA Collect platform — hosted at collect.fifa.com — where users can participate in NFT “drops” and challenges involving digital collectibles. After an investigation, GESPA concluded that some of the activities on the platform resemble unlicensed gambling services, which are prohibited under Swiss law.
GESPA Flags Potential Gambling Breaches
In a statement released Friday, GESPA said participants on FIFA Collect are required to pay to enter certain competitions that offer cash prizes. The regulator determined that the outcome of these contests depends partly on random draws or chance-based mechanisms, which would classify them as lotteries or sports betting under Switzerland’s Federal Act on Gambling.
“From a legal standpoint, these offerings fall within the scope of gambling activities that require prior authorization,” GESPA stated.
The agency added that it has fulfilled its duty to report the suspected violation to prosecutors, leaving the final decision on criminal liability to Swiss law enforcement authorities.
As of publication, FIFA has not responded to requests for comment regarding the complaint.
FIFA’s Push Into Digital Collectibles
FIFA launched its World Cup NFT project in 2022 ahead of the Qatar tournament, promoting it as a new way for fans to “own a piece of football history.” Initially built on the Algorand blockchain, the project migrated to Polygon in 2023. A later collection offered fans the chance to win tickets to the 2026 World Cup, blending digital ownership with real-world incentives.
“This makes FIFA collectibles available to any football fan,” FIFA Chief Business Officer Romy Gai said during the platform’s debut. “Just like sports memorabilia and stickers, it’s an accessible opportunity for fans to connect with their favorite players and moments in new ways.”
Earlier in 2025, FIFA announced it would develop its own blockchain ecosystem using Avalanche technology, rebranding it as the FIFA Blockchain. The organization said its NFTs would migrate there as part of its broader digital strategy.
Balancing Innovation and Regulation
The complaint underscores a growing global tension between emerging Web3 technologies and traditional regulatory frameworks. As NFT platforms increasingly incorporate elements like contests, rewards, and virtual economies, regulators are questioning whether they cross into gambling territory.
For FIFA, the stakes go beyond its blockchain ambitions — the case could set a precedent for how international sports bodies operate digital fan engagement platforms within national laws.
While prosecutors in Switzerland will ultimately decide whether to pursue criminal charges, the outcome could shape how other regulators approach NFT-based promotions tied to major sporting events.
