Key Points
- Switzerland’s gambling regulator, Gespa, is examining FIFA’s “Right-to-Buy” program for potential violations of gambling regulations.
- These collectibles give holders an exclusive opportunity to purchase World Cup tickets from a reserved allocation set aside for FIFA Collect users.
- FIFA Collect is FIFA’s official platform for digital collectibles, now operating on its dedicated Avalanche-based network.
Swiss gambling authorities at Gespa have initiated an investigation into FIFA’s new “Right-to-Buy” (RTB) digital collectibles. The inquiry aims to assess whether FIFA is adhering to Switzerland’s gambling laws, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Offered through the FIFA Collect platform, the “Right-to-Buy” NFTs provide users with a chance to secure tickets for the upcoming 2026 World Cup hosted across North America. While FIFA initially sells these collectibles, they can also be traded on a secondary marketplace.
When launching RTB in late September, Modex Technologies Chief Marketing Officer Antonio Lorenzon stated, “Our goal is to deepen the connection between fans and the sport they cherish. By introducing Right-To-Buy on FIFA Collect, we’re providing supporters with a novel and more direct avenue to participate in FIFA World Cup 26™, transforming digital collectibles into tangible, real-world experiences.”
Modex serves as FIFA’s exclusive partner, working alongside them in the development of their digital collectibles platform.
According to reports from Bloomberg, Gespa is gathering more information to decide if any regulatory action is needed.
FIFA Collect users can discover RTB collectibles in mystery packs or purchase them directly on the secondary market. Current prices range from $149 for the chance to buy a ticket to a Houston match, to over $1,200 for the option to buy tickets to Canada’s inaugural game, and upwards of $7,000 for the opportunity to purchase opening match tickets at Mexico’s Azteca Stadium.
Holding an RTB collectible bypasses the general public ticket queue when tickets are released. However, the collectible only provides the option to *purchase* a ticket; holders must still pay the full ticket price for their chosen match.
Official World Cup tickets are being rolled out in stages, beginning with the Visa Early Presale in mid-September. The next phase will commence at the close of October, with further draws and sales throughout the tournament.
A dedicated allocation of tickets has been reserved exclusively for FIFA Collect users holding RTB collectibles.
FIFA Collect initially launched on Algorand in 2022. However, FIFA announced it was moving away from the proof-of-stake blockchain earlier this year.
In May, FIFA revealed plans to establish its own Avalanche layer-1 network to power the platform, aiming to elevate digital collecting and deliver more immersive fan experiences.
Representatives from both Gespa and FIFA Collect have not yet responded to Decrypt’s requests for comment.
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