Switzerland’s gambling regulator has launched an investigation into sales of FIFA-backed blockchain tokens ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The regulator, Gespa, usually oversees lotteries and sports betting. The investigation aims to uncover whether FIFA is selling the chance to win tickets to World Cup matches, or offering something similar. Gambling services. If the latter, the regulator must determine whether FIFA is complying with local rules.
Gespa Director Richard shared a statement via email with Bloomberg“, writes: “Based on a preliminary internal assessment, it cannot be excluded that the offer on Collect.fifa.com may be relevant under gambling legislation. Gespa will now proceed with further fact-finding to determine whether regulatory action is required.”
Currently, FIFA has not been accused of any wrongdoing at this early stage.
How do codes work?
Selling Right to Buy tokens gives buyers the right to purchase a guaranteed entry to a World Cup match. Token holders can purchase a ticket for a specific match (even if the teams and seats are not yet known) or trade it on secondary markets.
Some tokens are tied to a specific national team or match, but come with more risks associated with them. For example, a Right to the Final token guarantees the chance to purchase a Finals ticket but only if the team whose token was purchased reaches that limit.
This means that some codes may not result in a match, depending on the conditions attached. According to The Athletic, tens of thousands of right-to-purchase tokens were sold by FIFA, earning the organization an estimated $15 million.
Although Gespa does not have direct jurisdiction over FIFA, it can order Swiss-based companies to prevent any wrongdoing, such as requiring Swiss ISPs to block access to FIFA, if violations of local gaming laws are found.
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