The world of football is witnessing a remarkable fusion of sports and digital innovation with the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023™. In a groundbreaking move, FIFA+ Collect, in collaboration with the technology firm Modex, is set to release an exclusive digital collectible series. This initiative marks the beginning of a new partnership that melds the excitement of football with the cutting-edge realm of digital collectibles.
A Digital Fiesta: From Rare Collectibles to Memorable Moments
This unique collection is set to launch on December 15 with the release of 100 rare digital collectibles on FIFA Collect+. These collectibles are not just digital tokens; they hold the extraordinary opportunity for owners to secure tickets to the prestigious FIFA World Cup Final™ in 2026, adding a tangible real-world value to the digital realm. Following this, December 19 will see the release of an additional 900 digital collectibles on the Polygon network, available via the OpenSea platform. This broader collection encapsulates the spirit and memorable moments of the FIFA Club World Cup, translating them into cherished digital memorabilia.
Global Football Giants Converge in Jeddah
The FIFA Club World Cup, starting on December 12 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, will feature seven of the world's top football teams. These teams represent every major footballing region, with clubs like Auckland City (New Zealand), Fluminense (Brazil), Manchester City, Urawa Reds (Japan), León (Mexico), Al Ahly (Egypt), and the local Saudi Arabian team Al Ittihad. This event not only showcases the pinnacle of club football but also serves as a backdrop for this innovative digital venture.
Voices from the Field: FIFA and Modex on the New Initiative
Romy Gai, FIFA's Chief Business Officer, expressed immense excitement about this transformative journey with Modex, aiming to take the FIFA+ Collect platform to new heights. According to Gai, the platform has gained worldwide popularity, allowing fans globally to own a piece of football history. Francesco Abbate, CEO of Modex, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the opportunity for fans to engage more deeply with the sport they love through these digital collectibles. He noted that this collaboration is just the first step in a journey to further engage fans with FIFA matches and initiatives.
The Impact of Web3 Technology in Sports
This partnership between Modex and FIFA showcases the potential of Web3 technology in revolutionizing fan engagement and participation in sports. The FIFA+ Collect platform, powered by Algorand and launched in September 2022, has already facilitated 11 NFT drops, with over 909,255 digital collectibles minted and a trading volume of $2.4 million. However, it's important to note that some challenges in tracking the exact nature of transactions exist, as FIFA+ Collect Info cannot distinguish between packs obtained for free and those purchased with USDC.
Image source: Shutterstock