FIFA's blockchain tickets face Swiss gambling probe
Switzerland's gambling regulator Gespa launched an investigation into FIFA's sale of tokens that fans can exchange for tickets to 2026 World Cup matches.
Gespa is examining whether FIFA's "Right to Buy" tokens sold through its Collect platform constitute gambling under Swiss law. The tokens give holders the right to purchase tickets for specific matches once sales open, but only if certain conditions are met, such as a team advancing to that round.
The regulator confirmed it had not received reports about FIFA's platform before Bloomberg's inquiry. FIFA, headquartered in Zurich, declined to comment and has not been accused of wrongdoing.
The 2026 World Cup will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA projects the tournament will generate $11 billion in revenue between 2023 and 2026.
The regulator confirmed it had not received reports about FIFA's platform before Bloomberg's inquiry. FIFA, headquartered in Zurich, declined to comment and has not been accused of wrongdoing.
The 2026 World Cup will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA projects the tournament will generate $11 billion in revenue between 2023 and 2026.
FIFA introduced the token system last year, replacing its traditional first-come, first-served sales model. The tokens let fans secure priority access to match tickets, which can be traded on secondary markets.
Some tokens are tied to specific national teams. The $999 "Right to Final: England" token allows holders to purchase a ticket to the final only if England reaches that match. According to estimates, FIFA has raised around $15 million from token sales.
FIFA's resale platform lists some tickets for up to $30,000, intensifying scrutiny over the organization's ticketing approach.
Gespa can compel Swiss-based companies to cease activities that violate gambling laws and can request local internet providers to block access to non-compliant foreign platforms. FIFA operates its ticketing system in partnership with Modex Tech Ltd., a software firm with offices in Switzerland, Gibraltar, and Italy. Modex has not been contacted by the regulator.
The investigation centers on whether the conditional nature of the tokens—where buyers may not receive tickets depending on match outcomes—constitutes a form of gambling. Swiss law regulates gambling activities through Gespa, which oversees lotteries and sports betting alongside other gaming operations.
Some tokens are tied to specific national teams. The $999 "Right to Final: England" token allows holders to purchase a ticket to the final only if England reaches that match. According to estimates, FIFA has raised around $15 million from token sales.
FIFA's resale platform lists some tickets for up to $30,000, intensifying scrutiny over the organization's ticketing approach.
Gespa can compel Swiss-based companies to cease activities that violate gambling laws and can request local internet providers to block access to non-compliant foreign platforms. FIFA operates its ticketing system in partnership with Modex Tech Ltd., a software firm with offices in Switzerland, Gibraltar, and Italy. Modex has not been contacted by the regulator.
The investigation centers on whether the conditional nature of the tokens—where buyers may not receive tickets depending on match outcomes—constitutes a form of gambling. Swiss law regulates gambling activities through Gespa, which oversees lotteries and sports betting alongside other gaming operations.
Author
Sebile Fane cut her teeth in blockchain by building tiny NFT experiments with friends in her living room, long before the buzzwords took hold. She’s driven by a curiosity for the human stories behind smart contracts — whether it’s a small-town artist minting her first token or a DAO voting on climate grants — and weaves technical insight with genuine empathy.
