At a time when nearly every aspect of FIFA’s operations is facing criticism, its latest blockchain project has drawn scrutiny as well.
Switzerland’s gambling regulator has launched an investigation into FIFA’s “Right-to-Buy” NFT tokens ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The inquiry aims to determine whether these tokens comply with gambling laws. The regulator has clarified that FIFA itself is not accused of any wrongdoing, according to Bloomberg’s October 6 report.
FIFA’s “Right-to-Buy” tokens give holders the option to purchase a ticket for a specific match at the 2026 World Cup. Prices range from $299 to $999, depending on the team the token represents.
Fans can buy a token linked to a particular team, giving them the chance to secure tickets if that team qualifies. The price is reportedly influenced by betting-style odds, with Brazil, England and Argentina among the most expensive.
Many tokens have already sold out, though some are still available on FIFA’s native marketplace, operated with its Web3 partner Modex.
The system resembles gambling since long-shot teams are offered at lower prices. Because eligibility depends on team qualification, many holders may end up with tokens which provide no benefit, making the setup feel more like wagering than collecting.
Not FIFA’s first NFT venture
FIFA has been exploring NFTs for some time. Last year, the governing body introduced a collection challenge called ‘First Timers,’ which featured several levels.
Fans had to complete the challenge to earn the right to buy tickets by collecting specific items across five tiers. All NFTs could be obtained through packs priced at $14.99, with each pack offering different probabilities of getting various item levels.
This approach mirrors the loot box system popular in games like EA FC, where players have chances to pull high-tier or low-tier cards based on probability.
In FIFA’s 2024 initiative, Common items appeared most frequently with an 85.3% chance, followed by Rare items at 12%. Epic items were far less common at 2.33%, while the most valuable Iconic items were exceedingly rare, appearing just 0.333% of the time.
