FIFA is facing a probe from the Swiss gambling authority, the Gaming Board of Switzerland (Gespa), over accusations that its World Cup ticket system constitutes betting.
The investigation centres around FIFA’s Right To Buy (RTB) tokens. The tokens give users the chance to buy tickets to matches at face value.
FIFA’s blockchain-based system has been likened to gambling. Image Credit: Fauzan Saari/Unsplash
However, some of the tokens are tied to a team’s progress. FIFA has released Right to Final tokens, which give users the chance to buy a ticket to the final, but only if a specific team qualifies.
On its website, FIFA states, “The Right to Final Bundle is a groundbreaking release on FIFA Collect, giving fans the unique chance to secure seats at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final—if their chosen team reaches the final.”
FIFA Cashing In On User Gambles
If the team does not make the final, then the token becomes worthless. The terms state, “Please note: There will be no refund in case of failure of the chosen national team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Final.”
Therefore, by buying a Right To Final token for Brazil, for example, users are effectively betting that Brazil makes it to the final.
The Right To Final tokens for the top teams went on sale for $999, and most have already sold out. Users can still purchase tokens for host countries USA, Mexico, and Canada for the same fee.
In addition to buying the tokens directly, users can acquire them by completing challenges and earning RTBs. As part of the FIFA Collect platform, fans can also gamble that they will receive high-value items in special packs.
Gespa Director Says Regulatory Action May Be Required
Speaking to Bloomberg, Gespa director Manuel Richard said, “Based on an initial internal assessment, it cannot be ruled out that the offering on collect.fifa.com may be relevant under gambling legislation.”
“Gespa will now proceed with further fact-finding to determine whether regulatory action is required.”
FIFA launched its blockchain-based ticket system last year, and with users already holding many high-value tokens, it may be too late for any intervention.
If Gespa does deem some of the tokens to fall under Switzerland’s gambling legislation, then Richard says the regulator can block the website. FIFA has reportedly sold over $15 million worth of RTBs and is unlikely to want to refund all users.
Tokens may also have already been traded on the marketplace, which would make giving refunds and invalidating the RTBs difficult.
Users can purchase sold-out RTBs on the marketplace. Some premium tickets, such as the RTB for the tournament opener in Mexico, are on sale for as much as $25,000.
FIFA Working With Konami On FIFAe World Cup
This will be the first virtual World Cup since FIFA broke ties with EA Sports. Instead of EA running a FIFAe World Cup as in previous tournaments, the tournament has been restructured and is now organized by FIFA in partnership with Konami.
A 2025 edition is scheduled to take place in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia will also host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. With the nation backing a consortium to purchase EA this week, there may be collaboration between FIFA and the gaming company again in the future.