Switzerland’s gambling regulator Gespa has launched a preliminary probe into FIFA’s sale of blockchain-based “Right to Buy” tokens for the 2026 World Cup. The tokens, created with Modex Tech Ltd., give holders the option to purchase match tickets if certain conditions are met — for example, a $999 “Right to Final: England” token guarantees access only if England reaches the final.
Gespa director Manuel Richard said the scheme “may be relevant under gambling legislation,” and officials are assessing whether it qualifies as gambling under Swiss law. Concerns center on its speculative nature, since most token buyers won’t receive tickets if their teams are eliminated.
FIFA reportedly raised about $15 million from these token sales. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, is expected to generate $11 billion for FIFA overall.