Key Moments:
- GESPA has lodged a criminal complaint against FIFA regarding its NFT venture, FIFA Collect, over alleged unlicensed gambling in Switzerland.
- The investigation centers on whether random NFT drops and RTB tokens constitute illegal gambling according to Swiss law.
- Swiss prosecutors are evaluating whether to pursue formal charges as the case moves forward.
Regulator Initiates Action Over NFT Mechanics
Switzerland’s Gambling Supervisory Authority (GESPA) has formally accused FIFA of operating unauthorized gambling activities related to its FIFA Collect NFT platform. Based on a recent regulatory investigation, GESPA alleges that the features of FIFA Collect – including random NFT drops and “Right-to-Buy” (RTB) tokens giving early ticket access for the 2026 World Cup – closely replicate betting or lottery models.
The platform permits users to purchase, trade, and collect NFTs showcasing highlights from the World Cup. NFTs are initially offered at about $999, with secondary market transactions reaching up to $30,000. Their value shifts based on team performance and rarity, which GESPA considers features of games of chance.
⚽️ 𝐅𝐈𝐅𝐀’𝐬 𝐍𝐅𝐓 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
When regulators blow the whistle, even FIFA’s NFT platform gets a red card. 🟥
🎟️ A $999 “collectible” offering a chance at early World Cup ticket access…
💰… pic.twitter.com/3CCSDF91QU— 852Web3 Magazine (@852Web3Media) October 19, 2025
Swiss Legal Criteria and the Scope of the Complaint
GESPA began investigating in October 2025 after recognizing that FIFA Collect’s random drop mechanics and chance-based rewards might violate standards under the Federal Act on Gambling (BGS), which defines gambling as any activity involving a stake, chance, and prize. GESPA concluded that FIFA’s platform meets this legal definition and stated that these products are “unlicensed in Switzerland and therefore illegal,” leading to the official complaint.
Director Manuel Richard commented that details of the filing will remain confidential as prosecutorial review begins.
Manuel Richard, GESPA Director, mentioned:
“The case could disrupt its $11 billion revenue forecast for 2023–2026, where ticketing and digital sales play a major role. It may force enhanced compliance, such as KYC/AML checks, geo-blocks for Swiss users, or redesigned NFT mechanics to avoid “gambling-like” elements. FIFA has not publicly responded yet. The case underscores growing regulatory attention toward NFTs that merge digital collectibles with real-world rewards. Legal analysts suggest it could set a key precedent across Europe for defining chance-based digital assets, potentially influencing blockchain initiatives in gaming, fan engagement, and tokenization.”
Potential Impact and Regulatory Precedent
Legal experts say this case could establish crucial legal definitions surrounding chance-based NFT platforms and digital assets linked to tangible rewards across European jurisdictions. The decision could affect other organizations offering sports- and gaming-related NFT products that use similar randomization or “loot box” models.
Under existing Swiss law, only entities based in Switzerland, such as local casinos or licensed lottery providers like Swisslos or Loterie Romande, can legally run gambling operations. International bodies like FIFA face criminal penalties if they offer unlicensed gambling products accessible from within Switzerland.
FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich and operation of collect.fifa.com subject it to domestic regulatory compliance. Promoting or operating unauthorized gambling within Switzerland is prosecutable under Article 130 of the BGS, with consequences ranging from fines to imprisonment.
Case Progress and Outlook
GESPA’s criminal complaint illustrates Switzerland’s uncompromising position as it confronts digital platforms incorporating gambling elements. The resolution of this case could inform the future structure of NFT-powered products for sporting events and influence ongoing regulatory discussions within the broader European market. The Swiss prosecutorial authorities are currently assessing whether to proceed with formal criminal charges against FIFA.
| Entity | Allegation/Action | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA | Subject to criminal complaint over NFT-based gambling | May face penalties and compliance overhaul |
| GESPA | Initiated investigation and complaint | Seeking enforcement of Swiss gambling laws |
| Swiss Prosecutors | Evaluating whether to bring charges | Legal precedent for digital assets and NFTs |
- Author
Daniel Williams
