Gespa files complaint against FIFA NFT platform

The Swiss Gambling Supervisory Authority, Gespa, has taken formal legal action by filing a criminal complaint with the relevant prosecution authorities concerning FIFA’s blockchain-based non-fungible token (NFT) platform, collect.fifa.com. This action follows an investigation into suspicions that the platform may be offering unlicensed gambling services within Switzerland, in potential violation of the country’s stringent gambling regulations.

The case brings into focus the complex intersection of emerging digital technologies, blockchain assets, and traditional gambling regulations, and underscores the legal uncertainties surrounding online competitions involving NFTs.

Discovery of the Platform and Initial Concerns

Gespa first became aware of collect.fifa.com in early October 2025. The platform allows users to participate in various online competitions, including “drops” and “challenges,” which are tied to collectible NFTs. These NFTs represent unique digital assets, often tied to virtual items, moments, or rights, and have gained significant attention in the global digital economy.

While NFTs themselves are generally considered digital collectibles, the structure of FIFA’s platform raised immediate concerns for Swiss regulators. Participation in these competitions requires users to stake money, and outcomes are determined by mechanisms that resemble lotteries or random draws. The possibility of winning prizes based on luck or chance placed the platform’s activities squarely within the legal definitions of gambling under Swiss law.

Legal Basis for the Complaint

According to Gespa, collect.fifa.com currently operates without the necessary gambling licenses required under Swiss law. The Swiss Federal Act on Gambling establishes that any activity involving monetary stakes with outcomes dependent on chance or luck falls under regulated gambling activities, which include lotteries, sports betting, and other similar competitions.

Given these findings, Gespa has filed a criminal complaint with the relevant prosecution authorities. These authorities are now responsible for conducting the final assessment of the case and determining whether formal criminal proceedings are warranted.

A spokesperson for Gespa emphasized the agency’s legal obligations, stating that it is mandated to notify law enforcement whenever potential violations of the Federal Act on Gambling are identified. While Gespa has refrained from providing additional specifics regarding the ongoing investigation, it has confirmed that it is prepared to offer full assistance to authorities, in line with Article 135 para. 1 of the Federal Act on Gambling.

How the Platform Functions

The structure of FIFA’s NFT platform has drawn particular scrutiny due to its resemblance to gambling operations. Participants purchase access to competitions through monetary stakes, and outcomes are largely determined by chance rather than skill or performance. Winners receive digital or monetary rewards linked to the platform’s NFTs.

From a regulatory standpoint, the key concern is that the platform effectively functions as a lottery or gambling system without proper licensing. While NFTs are often marketed as collectible digital assets, the gambling-like format of FIFA’s competitions blurs the line between digital collectibles and games of chance.

Regulatory Challenges in the NFT Space

This case highlights broader challenges faced by regulators worldwide as blockchain technology and NFTs continue to intersect with online gaming and gambling. The unique nature of NFTs complicates traditional legal frameworks, as these assets combine elements of digital ownership, financial investment, and collectible value.

Swiss authorities, like their counterparts in other jurisdictions, are tasked with evaluating whether new digital products fall within existing gambling laws or require new, specialized regulations. The emergence of platforms such as FIFA’s collect.fifa.com illustrates how technological innovation can outpace the clarity of regulatory frameworks, creating grey areas that may require judicial interpretation.

Blockchain-based platforms have grown in popularity due to their transparency, traceability, and decentralized nature. However, the integration of gambling mechanics—such as random draws, stakes, and rewards—has prompted regulatory scrutiny. Authorities are increasingly concerned about consumer protection, responsible gambling, and compliance with licensing requirements.

Potential Consequences for FIFA

Should the prosecution authorities determine that FIFA’s platform constitutes unlicensed gambling, the organization may face significant legal consequences within Switzerland. Potential outcomes could include the suspension of platform operations in the country until the appropriate licenses are obtained, financial penalties, or other regulatory measures.

FIFA, as a globally recognized organization, operates under intense public and regulatory scrutiny. Legal actions of this nature could not only affect the platform’s operations in Switzerland but may also influence regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions where similar NFT-based competitions are offered.

Gespa’s intervention serves as a reminder that even well-known international entities are subject to national gambling laws and licensing requirements. Compliance with local regulations remains essential for digital platforms that seek to operate across multiple jurisdictions.

Broader Implications for Blockchain and Gaming

The case underscores the evolving nature of digital entertainment and the regulatory challenges associated with new technologies. As NFTs continue to expand in gaming, collectibles, and financial applications, the question of whether their associated competitions constitute gambling will remain central to legal debates.

Operators of blockchain platforms must carefully consider how their business models interact with national gambling laws. The reliance on random draws, financial stakes, and reward mechanisms may inadvertently classify otherwise legitimate digital products as gambling, requiring licensing or regulatory approval.

Regulators, on the other hand, face the challenge of keeping pace with rapid technological developments. Clear, precise, and technology-neutral legislation is increasingly necessary to ensure consumer protection, responsible gambling, and compliance without stifling innovation.

The Future of NFT Regulation in Gambling

As the investigation into FIFA’s collect.fifa.com progresses, industry observers and regulators will be closely monitoring the outcomes. A ruling that the platform constitutes unlicensed gambling could set a precedent for other blockchain-based platforms that incorporate chance-based competitions.

It may also prompt organizations and developers to review their offerings, ensuring alignment with local legal requirements before launching similar products. Legal clarity could encourage responsible innovation, enabling the integration of blockchain and NFT technologies in a compliant and secure manner.

The case illustrates a critical point in the evolution of digital assets and gaming: technological novelty must coexist with regulatory compliance. As platforms experiment with new forms of digital engagement, legal frameworks must evolve to provide guidance while safeguarding the interests of participants and national jurisdictions.

Conclusion

Gespa’s criminal complaint against FIFA’s NFT platform highlights the intricate intersection between blockchain technology, digital collectibles, and gambling regulations. While NFTs are largely considered unique digital assets, the requirement for monetary stakes and the random draw nature of FIFA’s competitions have placed collect.fifa.com within the scope of Swiss gambling laws.

The investigation emphasizes the importance of regulatory oversight in emerging digital sectors and serves as a cautionary example for other international organizations seeking to integrate NFTs into gaming ecosystems. As the case unfolds, it may shape the future regulatory landscape for blockchain-based platforms, providing clarity on licensing requirements, consumer protection, and responsible digital gaming practices.

FIFA and similar organizations must navigate these challenges carefully, ensuring compliance with national laws while continuing to innovate in the digital space. The outcome of this legal process will likely resonate beyond Switzerland, influencing global discussions on the regulation of NFTs and blockchain-based gaming platforms.

FAQs

What is the main issue Gespa raised against FIFA’s NFT platform?
Gespa alleges that FIFA’s platform allows participants to engage in gambling-like competitions without a Swiss gambling license.

How does collect.fifa.com operate?
The platform offers competitions and “drops” where users stake money, and outcomes are determined by chance, with prizes linked to NFTs.

Are NFTs considered gambling?
NFTs themselves are digital collectibles, but when combined with monetary stakes and random outcomes, they may fall under gambling regulations.

Why did Gespa file a criminal complaint?
Swiss law requires notification to law enforcement when unlicensed gambling activities are suspected, which led to the formal complaint.

What legal consequences could FIFA face?
Potential consequences include suspension of platform operations in Switzerland, fines, or other regulatory enforcement actions.

Does this case affect FIFA outside Switzerland?
While the complaint is specific to Switzerland, the outcome may influence regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions.

Are blockchain platforms generally regulated under gambling laws?
Not all blockchain platforms are considered gambling, but those offering chance-based rewards with monetary stakes may be regulated.

What is the role of Swiss law in this matter?
The Federal Act on Gambling regulates activities that involve chance and monetary stakes, requiring licensing for legal operation.

Will Gespa provide additional information during the investigation?
Gespa has refrained from giving further details but is prepared to assist law enforcement if needed.

Why is this case significant for digital gaming?
It highlights regulatory challenges for NFTs and blockchain in gaming and emphasizes the importance of compliance with national gambling laws.