Switzerland’s Gambling Supervisory Authority (GESPA) has filed a criminal complaint against FIFA, alleging that its NFT platform FIFA Collect operates unlicensed gambling activities under Swiss law. The move marks one of the first major regulatory actions in Europe targeting NFTs that blend digital collectibles with chance-based rewards.
Headquartered in Zurich, FIFA could face penalties if Swiss prosecutors pursue the case. FIFA Collect allows users to buy, trade, and collect NFTs featuring World Cup highlights, including its “Right-to-Buy” (RTB) tokens, which grant holders early access to purchase 2026 World Cup tickets. These NFTs, sold for roughly $999 and resold for up to $30,000, fluctuate in value depending on team performance and rarity — a structure regulators say closely mirrors betting or lotteries.
GESPA began investigating in October 2025 after identifying potential gambling elements within the platform’s random NFT drops and chance-based reward mechanics. Under Swiss law, any activity involving a stake, chance, and prize requires a local gambling license, even if the operator is based abroad but provides access to Swiss users.
The regulator concluded that FIFA Collect’s NFT drops and RTB token functions meet this definition. GESPA stated that these products are “unlicensed in Switzerland and therefore illegal,” prompting the formal complaint. Director Manuel Richard confirmed that further details remain confidential as the case moves to prosecutors.
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.”
Legal experts say the case could set an important precedent across Europe, shaping how regulators define chance-based NFT platforms and other digital assets tied to real-world rewards. Similar projects in sports and gaming may soon face heightened scrutiny under existing gambling frameworks.
Switzerland’s gambling laws, defined by the Federal Act on Gambling (BGS), cover all activities involving monetary stakes, elements of chance, and prizes. These include lotteries, sports betting, and casino games, whether conducted physically or online. The BGS restricts licensing to Swiss-based entities — casinos and authorized lottery operators such as Swisslos or Loterie Romande — meaning foreign or international organizations cannot legally run gambling activities in Switzerland without a local partner.
Because FIFA is headquartered in Zurich and operates collect.fifa.com within Swiss jurisdiction, it falls under domestic regulations. Operating or promoting unlicensed gambling accessible in Switzerland is a criminal offense under Article 130 of the BGS, punishable by fines or imprisonment.
GESPA’s decision to file a complaint reinforces Switzerland’s strict stance toward emerging digital platforms that mimic gambling mechanisms without authorization. The outcome could influence how global sports organizations and tech developers design future NFT offerings, particularly as European regulators intensify scrutiny over gambling-style monetization models.
Swiss prosecutors are now reviewing the complaint to determine whether to proceed with formal charges against FIFA.
Source: The Gamblest