Key Takeaways
- Croatia’s national football team now offers crypto cashback for fans purchasing merchandise through its app.
- Rewards are given out automatically in the form of VATRENI tokens.
- Blockchain in sports could become a multi-billion-dollar industry by the end of the decade.
Web3’s presence in football is growing ahead of the 2026 World Cup as Croatia’s national football team becomes the first to integrate crypto assets into its fan loyalty program, which is now offering 1% in crypto rewards for fans.
Football Rewards
As per a press release from Kadena shared with CCN, the Croatian Football Federation’s (HNS) official store app has launched automatic crypto rewards for its fans.
This, it says, makes it the first national team to integrate digital assets directly into a fan loyalty program.
As of today, fans making buying merchandise through the team’s app store will receive 1% back in Kadena-powered VATRENI tokens. Match ticket purchases are anticipated to be included in the future.
In turn, these rewards can be flipped for other merchandise and VIP experiences.
This development stems from a multi-year partnership announced between HNS and Kadena in February this year.
Kadena anticipates the app to reach hundreds of thousands of wallets ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
On Oct. 9, Croatia’s qualifier hopes begin with the Czech Republic. This will be followed by its match with Gibraltar on Oct. 12.
SportsFi
Blockchain tech is finding its way into every industry, though some quicker than others.
The worlds of finance and business have flocked to its many offerings, but the sports industry remains almost out of Web3’s reach.
In late September, the founder of SportsFi blockchain, Atleta Network, Dima Saksonov, told CCN that the sector, especially football, is yet to embrace the technology wholesale.
He explains that aside from the high-quality engagement and perks it can bring to the fan experience, he notes that it can make huge strides for the clubs and players themselves. This includes better player transfer deals, as well as enhanced player and game performance data.
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Eddie is a gaming and crypto writer at CCN. Covering the often weird and wonderful world of Web3 with an adoring, but skeptical eye.
Prior to CCN, Eddie has spent the past seven years working his way through the crypto, finance, and technology industry. He began with PR and journalism with Bitcoin PR Buzz and BitcoinNews.com, eventually working his way to become a copywriter with a dozen firms, including the likes of Polkadot before returning to journalism in 2023.
Having studied Radio production and journalism at University in the UK, Eddie spent a few years making podcasts and presenting on a local London radio station as he built up his writing chops.
A lifelong skateboarder, Eddie can often be found at the skatepark or touring the streets looking for something new to try. That, or kicking back playing JRPGs on his original PSP.
