SWITZERLAND: GAMING REGULATOR FILES CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST FIFA

It has been reported that GESPA, the independent Gaming Regulator, which is based in Bern and oversees lotteries, sports betting, and other games of chance in Switzerland, has filed a criminal complaint against FIFA , the world governing body of association football, regarding alleged irregularities in the sale of tokens linked to ticket sales for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

This complaint follows a preliminary investigation into the FIFA Collect platform, which uses blockchain technology to offer digital tokens tied to tournament tickets.

GESPA alleges that the FIFA platform constitutes “unauthorised betting services in Switzerland and is therefore illegal” on the ground that the use of these digital tokens falls within the ambit of gambling, for which a licence is required, and which FIFA does not hold.

The tokens promise benefits linked to ticket purchases and exclusive experiences, which could encourage users to engage in speculative or gambling-like behaviour.

The complaint aims to determine whether FIFA has violated financial or gaming laws currently in force in Switzerland.

It appears that the FIFA Collect platform was conceived as a technological innovation designed to enhance fan engagement and not as a betting mechanism.

FIFA has not yet issued any formal statement in response to the complaint.

If the GESPA allegations are confirmed, apart from facing significant financial penalties, FIFA could also suffer reputational damage.

Switzerland is a pioneer in setting legal frameworks for the digital economy, which could mean that the outcome of this complaint creates a legal precedent for other jurisdictions.

We advise on sports betting in Switzerland and further information is available from our Managing Partner, Dr Lucien Valloni, by emailing him at valloni@valloni.ch.