Switzerland’s Gambling Supervisory Authority (GESPA) has taken a significant step by lodging a criminal complaint against FIFA, claiming that its NFT platform, FIFA Collect, is engaging in unauthorized gambling practices under Swiss legislation. This action represents one of the initial substantial regulatory measures in Europe aimed at NFTs that combine digital collectibles with elements of chance. FIFA, which is based in Zurich, could face serious repercussions if Swiss authorities decide to advance the case.
### Allegations Against FIFA Collect
FIFA Collect enables users to buy, trade, and collect NFTs that showcase World Cup highlights, including special “Right-to-Buy” (RTB) tokens that provide early access to purchase tickets for the 2026 World Cup. Priced around $999, these NFTs have been resold for sums reaching up to $30,000, with their value varying based on team performance and rarity. Regulators argue that this pricing structure closely resembles that of gambling or lotteries. GESPA initiated its investigation in October 2025 after discovering gambling-related features within the platform’s random NFT distributions and reward systems based on chance.
### Swiss Gambling Regulations
According to Swiss law, any activity that involves a stake, chance, and a prize necessitates a local gambling license, regardless of whether the operator is based outside Switzerland but offers services to Swiss users. GESPA determined that FIFA Collect’s NFT distributions and RTB token offerings fit this criteria. The authority asserted that these products are “unlicensed in Switzerland and therefore illegal,” which led to the submission of the formal complaint. GESPA Director Manuel Richard indicated that specific details of the case will remain confidential as it is handed over to prosecutors.
### Potential Implications for FIFA
Richard also noted that the ongoing situation could jeopardize FIFA’s projected revenue of $11 billion for the period from 2023 to 2026, where revenues from ticketing and digital sales are crucial. Should the investigation proceed, FIFA may be compelled to implement stricter compliance measures, such as Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks, geo-blocking for Swiss users, or altering the mechanics of their NFTs to eliminate gambling-like features. FIFA has yet to issue a public statement regarding the complaint.
### Broader Regulatory Impact on NFTs
This case highlights the increasing regulatory scrutiny surrounding NFTs that blend digital collectibles with tangible rewards. Legal experts believe that it could establish a significant precedent throughout Europe, potentially shaping how regulators classify chance-based digital assets. This increased vigilance may extend to similar ventures in the sports and gaming sectors, which could soon find themselves under intensified regulatory oversight.
### Overview of Swiss Gambling Laws
Switzerland’s gambling regulations, outlined in the Federal Act on Gambling (BGS), encompass all activities that involve monetary stakes, chance elements, and prizes. This includes lotteries, sports betting, and casino operations, whether conducted in-person or online. The BGS restricts gambling licenses to Swiss-based entities, such as licensed casinos and lottery operators like Swisslos or Loterie Romande. Consequently, foreign organizations cannot legally conduct gambling activities in Switzerland without collaborating with a local partner. Since FIFA operates within Swiss jurisdiction, its activities are subject to these domestic laws, and promoting unlicensed gambling accessible to Swiss users constitutes a criminal offense under Article 130 of the BGS, which carries penalties that could include fines or imprisonment.
### The Future of NFT Offerings in Switzerland
GESPA’s decision to file this complaint underscores the stringent approach Switzerland is taking towards new digital platforms that simulate gambling activities without the necessary authorization. The case’s outcome could have far-reaching implications for how international sports organizations and technology developers craft future NFT offerings, particularly as European regulators ramp up their scrutiny of monetization models resembling gambling practices. Currently, Swiss prosecutors are assessing the complaint to decide on the next steps concerning potential formal charges against FIFA.
