FIFA Faces Swiss Probe Over Alleged Illegal Gambling via NFT Collection
GESPA Alleges Unlicensed Gambling via FIFA Collect
GESPA concluded that these mechanics amount to gambling under Swiss law, qualifying parts of the platform as lotteries and parts as sports betting. Under the Federal Act on Gambling, GESPA is required to report such violations to prosecutors. The regulator said it has now referred the matter for potential criminal prosecution, noting that the final decision on liability will rest with law enforcement.
“Participation in these competitions requires a monetary stake, with cash prizes available to be won,” GESPA said. “The outcome for participants depends on random draws or similar chance-based procedures.”
FIFA, headquartered in Zurich, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The complaint marks a rare confrontation between Switzerland’s top gaming regulator and the world football body, which is also a major employer in the country.
Investor Takeaway
Background: FIFA’s NFT and Blockchain Ambitions
FIFA launched its digital collectibles project ahead of the 2022 World Cup to commemorate key moments in tournament history. Initially built on the Algorand blockchain, the collection later migrated to Polygon in 2023. The platform’s promotional campaigns allowed users to win rewards, including 2026 World Cup tickets, by purchasing and trading NFTs.
“This makes FIFA collectibles available to any football fan, democratizing the ability to own a part of the FIFA World Cup,” Romy Gai, FIFA’s Chief Business Officer, said when the project launched. “Just like sports memorabilia and stickers, this is an accessible opportunity for fans around the world to engage with their favorite players, moments and more on new platforms.”
Earlier this year, FIFA said it planned to launch its own EVM-compatible blockchain based on Avalanche technology, called “FIFA Blockchain,” which will host future NFT collections and related digital assets. The organization has pitched the project as part of a long-term effort to modernize fan engagement and revenue models.
Legal Context and Industry Reaction
Swiss regulators have taken an increasingly strict stance toward crypto-linked promotions that blur the line between collectibles and gambling. Under the country’s gambling law, any game involving a financial stake and a random prize draw requires a license. Unlicensed platforms can face criminal penalties, even if operated abroad but accessible to Swiss users.
Legal experts say the FIFA case could become a benchmark for how regulators classify NFT-based games or promotions. “If prosecutors agree with GESPA’s assessment, it could set a precedent that affects NFT marketing across Europe,” said a Zurich-based fintech lawyer familiar with Swiss gambling law.
For FIFA, the investigation adds regulatory pressure at a time when the organization has sought to expand its digital offerings through , fan tokens, and metaverse platforms. While the complaint does not immediately suspend operations of FIFA Collect, it could complicate future tokenized projects if prosecutors decide the mechanics constitute gambling under Swiss law.
