Swiss Regulator Opens Probe Into FIFA’s Blockchain-Based Ticketing for 2026 World Cup

Football’s governing body, FIFA, has drawn the attention of Switzerland’s gambling regulator over its blockchain-based ticketing system for the 2026 World Cup.

The tokens, marketed through FIFA Collect, allow fans to purchase “Right to Buy” options for match tickets, but regulators are questioning whether the model crosses into gambling territory.

Swiss regulator examines FIFA collect

Gespa, Switzerland’s authority overseeing lotteries and betting, confirmed it has launched a preliminary probe into FIFA’s tokenized ticketing system.

“Based on an initial internal assessment, it cannot be ruled out that the offering on collect.fifa.com may be relevant under gambling legislation,” Gespa director Manuel Richard told Bloomberg. The regulator said it will conduct further fact-finding to determine if any action is required.

While no complaints had been filed before Bloomberg’s inquiries, the investigation highlights how blockchain-based ticketing can blur lines between traditional sales and speculative products.

FIFA has not been accused of wrongdoing, while Modex Tech Ltd., its blockchain partner, has yet to receive formal communication from Gespa.

How the tokens work

FIFA first rolled out “Right to Buy” tokens last year as an alternative to its usual first-come, first-served ticket allocation system. Buyers of these digital assets are guaranteed the option to purchase tickets once they go on sale, regardless of demand. The tokens can also be resold on secondary markets.

Some tokens are tied to specific national teams, creating added uncertainty. For example, the “Right to Final: England” token, which cost $999 and is already sold out, entitles holders to purchase a final ticket only if England qualifies. If the team doesn’t reach the final, the token essentially expires without delivering a ticket.

According to The Athletic, FIFA may have earned around $15 million so far from the sale of these speculative rights. With the organization projecting $11 billion in revenue for the 2026 World Cup cycle, the blockchain ticketing initiative represents just one of several new revenue streams.

Tickets for the most sought-after games, including the final, are already trading on FIFA’s official resale platform for up to $30,000.

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