Switzerland’s Federal Gaming Board (Gespa) has initiated a formal inquiry into FIFA’s blockchain-based ticketing platform for the upcoming World Cup, according to industry reports. The regulatory examination focuses on whether the football governing body’s digital collectible tickets constitute gambling instruments under Swiss legislation.
The investigation centers on FIFA’s implementation of blockchain technology for distributing exclusive ticket purchase rights through digital collectibles. These tokenized assets grant holders privileged access to match tickets, creating a secondary market for trading these digital rights. Swiss authorities are scrutinizing whether this trading mechanism qualifies as gambling activity under the country’s strict gaming regulations.
This regulatory attention highlights the growing intersection between blockchain applications and established legal frameworks in global sporting events. The probe represents a significant development for FIFA’s technological modernization efforts, as the organization seeks to leverage distributed ledger technology for enhanced ticketing security and fan engagement.
The outcome of this investigation could establish important precedents for how blockchain-based ticketing systems are classified under European gambling laws. Industry observers are closely monitoring the situation, as the findings may influence future implementations of similar technologies across international sporting competitions and entertainment events.
