Swiss Regulator Files Criminal Complaint Against FIFA's NFT Platform Over Alleged Unlicensed Gambling

Swiss Authorities Allege Unlicensed Gambling on FIFA Collect

Switzerland's Gambling Supervisory Authority (GESPA), also known as the Eidgenössische Spielbankenkommission (ESBK), has initiated criminal proceedings against the international football governing body, FIFA, over its non-fungible token (NFT) platform, FIFA Collect. The complaint, filed with Swiss prosecutors on October 17, 2025, alleges that the platform operates unlicensed gambling activities, violating Swiss law.

GESPA's investigation, which began in early October 2025, concluded that activities on collect.fifa.com, such as 'drops' and 'challenges' involving digital collectibles, meet the criteria for illegal gambling. According to the regulator, participation in these competitions requires a monetary stake, with the potential for monetary benefits determined by random draws or similar chance-based procedures. GESPA stated that 'From a gambling law perspective, the offers in question are partly lotteries and partly sports betting.'

'Right to Buy' Tokens Under Scrutiny

Central to the complaint are FIFA Collect's 'Right to Buy' (RTB) tokens. These NFTs grant holders special access to purchase tickets for events like the FIFA World Cup 2026, provided certain conditions are met, such as a specific team advancing in the tournament. For instance, a 'Right to Buy: England Finals' token, sold for approximately $999, becomes valid only if England reaches the final.

Regulators are concerned that the conditional structure and speculative resale market of these tokens create a 'gambling-like dynamic.' Some RTB tokens have reportedly been resold for as much as $30,000, significantly higher than their original price. Under Swiss law, any activity involving a stake, chance, and prize requires a local gambling license, which FIFA Collect does not possess.

Legal Implications and FIFA's Position

The complaint falls under Article 135(1) of the Swiss Federal Gambling Act and Article 130 of the BGS, which criminalizes operating or promoting unlicensed gambling accessible in Switzerland. As FIFA is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, its operations fall under domestic regulations.

FIFA has not yet issued a public response to the criminal complaint. However, sources close to the organization suggest that FIFA Collect was conceived as a project for technological innovation and fan engagement, rather than a gambling mechanism, categorizing the NFTs as digital collectibles. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the integration of blockchain technology in sports and entertainment, potentially setting a precedent for how NFTs and conditional-access tokens are regulated globally. This regulatory scrutiny could also impact FIFA's projected $11 billion revenue forecast for 2023–2026, where ticketing and digital sales play a significant role.