Switzerland’s gambling regulator GESPA has filed a formal complaint against the FIFA+ Collect NFT platform, claiming it may violate Swiss gambling and lottery laws. The move marks a significant development in the growing debate over how digital assets and blockchain-based collectibles should be regulated in the country.
Regulator questions legal compliance
In an official statement, GESPA (Swiss Federal Gaming Board) said it had raised concerns that FIFA’s NFT platform could be operating without proper authorization under Swiss law. According to the regulator, the platform’s model of issuing and trading digital collectibles tied to football events may fall within the scope of gambling regulations.
“Activities that involve elements of chance, financial participation, and the possibility of winning something of value may require a license,” GESPA said. “We have initiated a legal review to determine whether FIFA+ Collect complies with these requirements.”
What is FIFA+ Collect?
Launched in 2022, FIFA+ Collect is an NFT platform that allows fans to buy, collect, and trade officially licensed digital football collectibles. These tokens often represent key moments from matches, including goals, saves, and famous highlights. The platform gained popularity during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and continues to attract users around the world.
While FIFA has presented the project as a way to bring fans closer to the sport, regulators argue that the platform’s structure may involve chance-based mechanics similar to lotteries or online games of chance.
Regulatory uncertainty grows
The GESPA complaint comes amid a broader discussion in Europe about how to regulate non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and other blockchain-based products. While NFTs are often classified as digital collectibles, regulators in several countries are reviewing whether some platforms may function like gambling services if they allow users to pay for random “packs” or receive prizes of financial value.
Swiss law requires gambling operators to hold appropriate licenses and meet strict consumer protection standards. If FIFA+ Collect is found to violate these rules, FIFA could be required to modify its operations or face legal consequences in Switzerland.
FIFA responds
FIFA has not yet issued a full statement on the complaint but has said it “respects all applicable laws and regulations” and will cooperate with authorities. The organization maintains that FIFA+ Collect is designed as a fan engagement tool, not a gambling product.
Industry observers say this case could set an important precedent for how sports organizations and blockchain companies operate in regulated markets like Switzerland.
Broader implications for digital assets
Legal experts note that the outcome of this complaint could affect more than just FIFA. If regulators classify certain NFT activities as gambling, other companies offering similar products may also face new compliance requirements. This could reshape how NFT platforms operate in Switzerland and possibly in other European countries.
Next steps
GESPA has confirmed that the legal review process is ongoing and could take several months. In the meantime, the regulator has urged platforms offering NFT-related services to carefully assess their compliance with national laws.
As the investigation continues, the case highlights the growing tension between innovation and regulation in the fast-evolving world of digital assets. Whether FIFA+ Collect is ultimately classified as gambling will likely influence how sports and entertainment companies approach NFTs in the future.
