Swiss Regulator Files Criminal Complaint Against FIFA Over World Cup NFT Platform
Switzerland's gambling watchdog, Gespa, has escalated its scrutiny of FIFA's blockchain-based ticketing system by filing a criminal complaint. The regulator alleges FIFA Collect's NFT offerings constitute unlicensed gambling under Swiss law.
The platform's tokenized World Cup tickets feature randomized drops and prediction-based rewards, which Gespa contends mirror lottery and sports betting mechanics. A controversial 'Right to Final' token—granting access only if a chosen team advances—has drawn particular regulatory ire.
This legal action follows Gespa's preliminary investigation launched earlier this month. Prosecutors must now determine whether FIFA's Web3 venture violates gambling statutes, marking a critical test for sports-related NFTs in regulated markets.