FIFA Faces Swiss Gambling Probe Over 2026 World Cup “Right to Buy” Tokens
FIFA, the international football governing body, is currently under preliminary investigation by Switzerland’s gambling authority, Gespa, concerning the 2026 World Cup ticket sales. The focus of the probe centers on the “Right to Buy” (RTB) tokens offered to fans. Gespa will assess whether this initiative, which leverages blockchain technology, violates Swiss gambling laws. This development comes as a potential challenge for the adoption of digital assets in the sports industry, potentially impacting the landscape of fan engagement.
Blockchain Tokens and the Gambling Question
The “Right to Buy” tokens, developed in partnership with blockchain firm Modex Tech Ltd., are digital assets offering holders the exclusive right to purchase tickets for specific matches during the upcoming World Cup. These tokens have been available for some time. Examples include tokens tied to specific national teams. One such token is the “Right to Final: England” token, priced at $999. The implication is that this token guarantees access to the final ticket only if England qualifies, which, depending on how one views it, could be considered a form of gambling based on the unpredictability of a team’s success. The Swiss regulatory body will now evaluate the legality of these token offerings within the framework of Swiss gambling regulations. This could be a critical case, setting a precedent for other sports organizations and how they use blockchain technology. From an African tech context, it highlights the need for regulation in digital asset deployment within emerging markets where fan engagement with football is substantial.
The outcome of the Gespa investigation will determine whether FIFA’s token sales are permissible under Swiss law. This decision will set a precedent for the use of blockchain-based tokens in sports and the regulatory considerations associated with them, impacting the ways in which fans from Africa and other regions engage with the sport.
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