FIFA Partners Avalanche for New Blockchain FIFA Blockchain

FIFA has made a significant move into the world of blockchain technology by partnering with Avalanche to launch a dedicated Layer-1 blockchain, named the FIFA Blockchain. This partnership marks a shift from FIFA's previous collaboration with Algorand and sets the stage for enhanced digital collectibles and fan engagement for over five billion football fans worldwide. The new FIFA Blockchain, built on Avalanche's Layer-1 infrastructure, promises sub-second transactions, minimal fees, and seamless wallet integration, starting with the migration of FIFA Collect.

Key factors behind this partnership include Avalanche's transaction capacity of over 6,500 per second and its enterprise-grade performance. John Nahas, Chief Business Officer at Ava Labs, the parent company of Avalanche, stated that FIFA's decision to launch its Layer-1 on Avalanche is a testament to the technology's ability to support global-scale applications with speed, flexibility, and security. Francesco Abbate, CEO of Modex and FIFA Collect, added that the selection followed a rigorous review of scalability, security, fees, and infrastructure customization.

FIFA's transition to Avalanche follows its initial foray into blockchain technology when it released an NFT collection on Algorand ahead of the Qatar World Cup in 2022. The organization had previously announced plans to migrate its digital assets to an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible blockchain, citing the need for improved scalability, lower transaction costs, and enhanced user experience. FIFA's NFT marketplace, FIFA Collect, will migrate from Algorand to the new Avalanche-powered network after May 20. Users are advised that Algorand-based wallets such as Pera and Defly will no longer be supported. Instead, fans can access FIFA Collect using MetaMask and other EVM-compatible wallets via WalletConnect. All collectible items listed for sale will be automatically transferred and relisted on the new platform unless users remove them before the migration.

While FIFA has not yet disclosed the full scope of future applications for its new blockchain, the organization has confirmed that the platform will deliver unique digital collectibles and immersive fan experiences. This move aligns with a growing trend among traditional sports organizations turning to Web3 to deepen fan engagement and explore new revenue models. In 2021, the NBA’s Top Shot initiative with Dapper Labs demonstrated the viability of large-scale digital collectibles. Other major leagues, including the NFL and MLB, have also launched various NFT-based projects. However, FIFA’s decision to deploy a custom Layer-1 blockchain marks one of the most ambitious undertakings in the space.

The organization’s blockchain strategy extends beyond collectibles. In November 2024, FIFA partnered with Mythical Games to release FIFA Rivals, a free-to-play soccer game for mobile platforms. Avalanche, meanwhile, continues to attract major institutional partners. In March 2024, the platform collaborated with Alipay to launch a Web3-powered voucher program to help brands explore new engagement tools. This partnership with Avalanche not only cements Avalanche as a major player in the Web3 space but also reshapes how billions of fans will interact with the beautiful game.