SL Benfica has partnered with blockchain-powered fan engagement platform Socios, becoming the first Portuguese club to launch a fan token.
Under the provisions of the agreement, the 37-time Primeira Liga champions will give its supporters the opportunity to influence club decision-making via the tokens, which aim to create greater engagement between clubs and their fans.
Domingos Soares de Oliveira, CEO of SL Benfica, said: “Benfica is constantly focused on searching for and delivering a positive experience to our huge global fanbase which includes both Members and Supporters.
“We have been paying very close attention to Digital Assets, a market that has been influential in our industry of late. We are delighted to be partnering with Sócios.com, the ideal partner for developing our tokens and for bringing the worldwide Benfica family closer together”.
Socios is growing its presence in the global football industry as it ramps up its marketing efforts and operations, allowing fans to purchase tokens linked to the cryptocurrency underpinning its platform, Chiliz.
It currently has partnership arrangements with some of the world’s most successful football clubs and associated governing bodies, including Paris Saint-Germain, FC Barcelona, Valencia, Atletico de Madrid, Manchester City, Arsenal, S.C Corinthians, Flamengo, São Paulo FC, CR Vasco da Gama, FPF and UEFA.
The crypto-based firm also has plans to gamify its platform in the coming months, adding a range of sports-themed mobile games for Fan Token holders.
Alexandre Dreyfus, CEO of Chiliz and Socios.com, added: “We’re delighted to welcome SL Benfica, the most successful club in Portuguese football history, to Socios.com.
“Having built a truly world-class network of partners, our focus is now on adding more features and engagement opportunities for Fan Token holders. We look forward to creating new experiences for Benfica and their passionate fans all around the world.”
