FIFA takes the plunge and launches its own Ethereum-compatible blockchain for NFTs

FIFA has decided to revolutionize its presence in the digital world by announcing the launch of "FIFA Blockchain," its own Ethereum-compatible network.

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), the world governing body of football, has decided to abandon the Algorand blockchain., which until now hosted its official NFT platform, for launch its own network compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), call “FIFA Blockchain”. 

The launch of this new network and the migration of its NFT platform to it, actions announced on April 30, represent the entity's biggest step toward Web 3, consolidating its leadership in the digital asset ecosystem.

The new blockchain, designed to be compatible with the EVM, will allow FIFA improve performance, scalability, and integration of their digital collectibles with popular tools like MetaMask, making it easier for millions of fans to access their digital collectibles and games. Starting May 20, all NFTs on the FIFA Collect platform will automatically migrate to the new network., without users having to make additional payments or complex changes to their accounts, the organization reported. 

With this move, FIFA seeks to not only offer collectibles, but also build a complete ecosystem where fans can interact, play, and participate in unprecedented digital experiences.

From Algorand to Ethereum: A Strategic Break

FIFA has announced a major shift in its digital strategy by abandoning the Algorand blockchain, on which its FIFA Collect collectibles platform has operated since 2022, to launch its own Ethereum-compatible network. This move seeks to provide the organization with greater scalability, flexibility, and access to a much larger and more established crypto ecosystem, where the adoption of EVM standards facilitates integration with developers and users on a global scale.

“The FIFA Blockchain was built to power new experiences, enable wallet compatibility, and lay the groundwork for future innovation.”

Migration to the new network FIFA Blockchain, begin on May 20 and promises a smooth transition for users: NFTs will be transferred automatically, without users having to take any additional action.Once the migration is complete, Algorand-based wallets will no longer support the organization's digital collectibles.

On the other hand, beyond technical improvements for users and developers, FIFA has expressed interest in building its own crypto ecosystem, with greater control and capacity for innovation, in which compatibility with Ethereum is fundamental. By launching its own network, the organization seeks to strengthen the security and scalability of its digital assets, while positioning itself at the forefront of the digital economy and sports entertainment, taking advantage of the new forms of interaction and participation facilitated by blockchain to reach a global and increasingly technological audience. 

“FIFA Collect is upgrading its infrastructure and migrating to FIFA Blockchain, a new EVM-compatible infrastructure. This will enable new product features, performance improvements, and long-term growth.”, the organization assured. 

NFTs and interactive experiences

Until now, FIFA relied on external platforms to manage its collectibles and digital experiences. However, with the development of its own network, the organization now assumes the role of referee and player in the Web3 space, dictating the rules of the game and directly managing key aspects such as transaction fees, technological partnerships, and the evolution of its platform.

The stated objective is Capture the attention of a young, global, and tech-savvy audience, which seeks immersive and personalized digital experiences. FIFA isn't content with simply selling digital cards; it aims to create an ecosystem where fans and players can interact, compete, and actively participate in football's digital economy. This vision is reflected in the integration of new features, such as blockchain gaming and interactive experiences, that go beyond simply collecting NFTs.

The launch of FIFA Rivals, a mobile game developed in collaboration with Mythical Games, is an example of this strategy. The game, which will be available in beta in May of this year, will allow users to create their own clubs and compete against other players in a 100% blockchain-powered environment. FIFA hopes to attract more than 100 million players, an ambitious but achievable figure given the brand's global popularity. 

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Powering the future of sports collecting with Ethereum and Web3

The migration of FIFA's NFT platform to its own Ethereum-compatible blockchain represents a strategic shift with significant impact on the sports collectibles industry and the development of Web3. 

By adopting an open and widely used standard like Ethereum, FIFA facilitates interoperability with other platforms and services, allowing users to transfer, trade, and use their NFTs within a much broader ecosystem. This interoperability not only increases the value and utility of the organization's digital collectibles, but also drives innovation and competition in the market.

Furthermore, direct control over its digital infrastructure gives FIFA the ability to quickly adapt to market trends and preferences, experimenting with new business models. 

The decision to migrate also sends a clear message to other sports organizations about the importance of digitalization and the adoption of innovative technologies such as blockchain for reinvent the relationship with fans and explore new sources of incomeThis trend is expected to accelerate the integration of Web3 into sport, benefiting both organizations and end-users through richer and more diverse digital experiences.

In conclusion, FIFA Collect's transition from Algorand to its own EVM-compatible blockchain marks a milestone in FIFA's digital strategy. Beyond a technological upgrade, this initiative reflects an ambitious vision to build an autonomous, scalable, and user-experience-focused digital ecosystem. The integration with Ethereum opens up new possibilities for sports collectibles, gaming, and fan engagement, positioning FIFA as a leader in innovation within the Web3 ecosystem. 

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