The Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority (Gespa) has filed a criminal complaint against FIFA over its blockchain-based ticketing platform, FIFA Collect, which offers non-fungible tokens (NFTs) linked to the 2026 World Cup.
The regulator claims the platform appears to provide unlicensed gambling services, which are deemed illegal under Swiss law. Gespa had previously launched a preliminary investigation earlier this month to determine whether the sale of these NFTs could be classified as gambling.
According to the authority, FIFA Collect hosts various NFT drops, challenges, and competitions that require users to pay to participate.
Winners are selected through random draws or based on match results. Some of these offerings could qualify as lotteries, while others, such as the “Right to Final” token, resemble sports betting, allowing fans to purchase tickets for the World Cup final only if their chosen team qualifies.
“From a gambling law perspective, the offers in question are partly lotteries and partly sports betting,” Gespa said in its statement. The authority added that it is legally obliged to alert law enforcement whenever violations of Switzerland’s gambling laws are suspected.
The case has now been referred to the Swiss prosecutor’s office, which will determine whether to pursue formal charges against FIFA. FIFA Collect, headquartered online at collect.fifa.com, is part of FIFA’s broader initiative to integrate blockchain technology and NFTs into the World Cup experience.
The platform allows fans to acquire digital collectibles and participate in competitions with financial stakes, a model that has drawn scrutiny under Swiss regulations.
This complaint highlights the regulatory complexities surrounding blockchain-based platforms, particularly when digital assets intersect with gambling mechanics.
While FIFA has yet to issue a comment on the matter, Gespa’s action underscores the increasing scrutiny national authorities are placing on digital innovations that may circumvent established gambling laws.
The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for NFT-based platforms worldwide, as regulators seek to define the boundaries between digital collectibles, chance-based competitions, and traditional gambling under national and international law.