FIFA announced a multi-year deal with Avalanche to build a dedicated blockchain for ticketing, merchandise authentication, and fan engagement. The platform will mint official NFTs for World Cup tickets and player collectibles, leveraging Avalanche’s sub-second finality. Initial testing begins with 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The blockchain will integrate with FIFA’s digital identity system to combat ticket fraud. Fans can earn governance tokens through engagement activities, redeemable for exclusive content. Critics question environmental impact, but FIFA claims the chain will use 99% less energy than proof-of-work systems.
This expands FIFA’s Web3 strategy after successful NFT drops during Qatar 2022. The deal includes $50 million development fund to onboard football clubs globally. AVAX price rose 12% on the news despite broader market declines.