Swiss Gambling Regulator Files Criminal Complaint Against FIFA
Summary
Gespa, Switzerland’s Gambling Supervisory Authority, has lodged a criminal complaint against FIFA’s blockchain NFT platform, FIFA Collect, alleging the site runs illegal gambling by offering paid “drops” and “challenges” whose rewards depend on chance. Gespa discovered the platform in early October 2025 and says these features meet the legal test for gambling under the Federal Act on Gambling. The complaint has been submitted to Swiss prosecutors, who will make the final determination; Gespa may be asked to support the investigation but is keeping details confidential.
The action also shines a light on FIFA’s broader token initiatives, notably the “Right to Buy” tokens used for 2026 World Cup ticket priority. Those tokens are tradable on secondary markets and have been criticised for speculative and chance-dependent value, a core element in Gespa’s concerns.
Key Points
- Gespa filed a criminal complaint against FIFA Collect, alleging the platform’s paid “drops” and “challenges” constitute gambling under Swiss law.
- The regulator identified FIFA Collect in early October 2025 and reported potential violations to prosecutors as required by the Federal Act on Gambling.
- FIFA Collect allows users to buy, trade and participate in challenge-based activities that may deliver rewards influenced by chance.
- FIFA’s “Right to Buy” tokens, used for 2026 World Cup ticket priority and tradable on secondary markets, are cited as similarly speculative and a regulatory concern.
- Swiss prosecutors will decide on any charges; Gespa may assist but is withholding further details due to legal confidentiality.
Context and Relevance
This complaint is part of a wider trend: regulators are increasingly treating tokenised fan engagement and blockchain-based collectibles as potential gambling products when they involve payments and chance. The move could force sports organisations and platforms to reassess token mechanics, secondary-market trading and how prizes or benefits are distributed to avoid running afoul of gambling laws.
For operators, platforms and regulators across Europe and beyond, the case is a bellwether — it signals that innovation in fan tokens and NFTs will be scrutinised not just for consumer protection, but for criminal compliance under gambling statutes.
Author style
Punchy: This is a sharp regulatory escalation with real teeth. If you care about NFTs, sports commerce or gambling rules, the implications are immediate — read the detail, because policy and product teams will need to act fast.
Why should I read this?
Look — if you work in sports, web3, ticketing or gambling regulation, you can’t ignore this. It shows regulators will treat token-driven fan perks as gambling when money and chance mix. Quick read, big consequences.