The Gambling Authority of Switzerland Spa has opened a preliminary investigation into the FIFA’s sale of blockchain-based tokens that give fans the right to buy tickets for competitions at the World Cup 2026.
Bloomberg reported on Monday that the regulator determines whether FIFAs ‘right to buy’ tokens form a form of gambling under Swiss law. Spa director Manuel Richard said that the offer “can be relevant under gambling legislation” and that further facts will decide whether regulatory action is justified.
With the tokens, developed with blockchain company Modex Tech Ltd., holders can buy tickets for specific competitions as soon as the sale is opened. Some are bound by national teams, such as the $ 999 “Right to Final: England” token, which only guarantees access to the final if the chosen team is eligible.
The structure has asked questions about speculative behavior, because most buyers do not receive tickets if their teams do not improve. FIFA reportedly earned around $ 15 million of this turnover, according to athletics.
The 2026 tournament – organized in the US, Mexico and Canada – is expected to generate $ 11 billion for FIFA.