Switzerland questions if FIFA’s crypto World Cup tickets are actually gambling

Swiss gambling authority Gespa has launched a preliminary review into the FIFA RTB token, examining whether the organization’s blockchain-based ticket reservation system constitutes a form of gambling. The probe, first reported by Bloomberg, remains in its early stages and does not allege any wrongdoing.

The FIFA RTB token short for “Right to Buy” allows holders to reserve the right to purchase tickets for specific matches under certain conditions, such as a team’s qualification. These digital assets are not tickets themselves but grant holders a guaranteed purchase window at face value if their selected team reaches a designated stage of the tournament.

Manuel Richard, Gespa’s Director, told Bloomberg that the regulator is still gathering information and has not yet received any formal complaints.

Our assessment focuses on whether these products create a gambling-like environment or remain purely conditional rights, Manuel Richard, Director, Gespa, said.

The review highlights an evolving tension between Web3 innovation and consumer protection, particularly as sports bodies like FIFA move deeper into blockchain ecosystems.

Tokenized ticketing and the rise of FIFA’s digital strategy

The FIFA RTB token was introduced during the 2024 World Cup Final as part of FIFA’s broader digital engagement strategy. The initiative aimed to address the intense demand for high-profile match tickets. During the 2022 Qatar World Cup, FIFA reported that 3.4 million tickets were available but received over 23 million requests as a staggering imbalance that underscored the need for a fairer allocation model.

The FIFA RTB token offered a new system: fans could purchase tokens linked to specific national teams. If that team advanced to a certain stage, say, the quarterfinals or finals, the token holder would gain the right to buy a ticket at face value. Token prices range from $299 to $999, depending on a team’s likelihood of reaching the final. Underdog teams cost less, while favorites such as Brazil, Argentina, and England command higher prices.

FIFA said the model was designed to “make ticket access more predictable and transparent.” However, some regulators and analysts argue that speculative trading of these tokens could blur the line between fan engagement and gambling.

The FIFA RTB token introduces market dynamics that look similar to betting on team outcomes, — Luca Meier, Blockchain Policy Researcher at the University of Zurich, told CoinDesk. Even if framed as digital rights, their value fluctuates based on uncertain sporting results.

From Algorand to Avalanche: FIFA’s blockchain migration

FIFA’s embrace of blockchain technology extends well beyond ticketing. Its Web3 infrastructure, developed with Modex, powers the native marketplace where fans can buy and trade FIFA RTB tokens. Initially launched on the Algorand blockchain, FIFA migrated its ecosystem to Avalanche in May 2025 to support greater scalability and fan engagement.

This migration included deploying the official marketplace and launching a dedicated Avalanche Subnet designed to handle massive traffic spikes during global tournaments.

Francesco Abbate, CEO of Modex and FIFA Collect, said Avalanche’s architecture allows smoother integration with digital wallets.

Using Avalanche’s EVM-compatible AvaCloud stack enables seamless interaction between the FIFA RTB token and everyday crypto tools like MetaMask, Francesco Abbate, CEO, Modex, said in a company statement.

The move marks FIFA’s continued effort to build a fully interoperable blockchain ecosystem capable of handling millions of fans worldwide.

FIFA’s expanding Web3 portfolio and regulatory outlook

Beyond the FIFA RTB token, the organization has expanded its Web3 footprint through the “FIFA Rivals” app, developed in partnership with Mythical Games. The NFT-powered mobile title allows users to manage teams and trade player cards on-chain.

In May 2025, FIFA officially launched FIFA Collect on its custom Avalanche Layer-1 blockchain, ending its earlier collaboration with Algorand. The project supports over five billion football fans and integrates with major crypto wallets to streamline onboarding.

However, Gespa’s ongoing review could shape how FIFA’s blockchain programs evolve. If regulators deem the FIFA RTB token to possess gambling elements, FIFA may need to adjust its marketing, sales structure, or eligibility criteria to comply with Swiss gambling law.

The case underscores how quickly the line between fan engagement and financial speculation can blur in Web3, Marta Keller, Policy Advisor at the European Blockchain Observatory, said in an interview. Even legitimate innovations like the FIFA RTB token must navigate a growing patchwork of regulations.

A crossroads for sports and Web3 innovation

FIFA’s digital pivot exemplifies how global sports bodies are leveraging NFTs and blockchain to create new revenue streams and fan experiences. Yet, the scrutiny of the FIFA RTB token suggests that regulators are catching up fast demanding clearer boundaries between innovation and consumer risk.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the results of Gespa’s probe could set a precedent for how Web3 fan tokens, ticket rights, and collectibles are classified under European law. Whether the FIFA RTB token remains a fan engagement tool or faces tighter regulation may determine the pace of blockchain adoption across the global sports industry.