Key Takeaways
- FIFA Collect is migrating from Algorand to a new Ethereum-compatible blockchain.
- “FIFA Blockchain” will support better performance, new features and improved wallet compatibility, FIFA said.
- The organization has asked collectors to reimport NFTs held in Algorand wallets before May 20.
FIFA is migrating its NFT collectibles from Algorand to a new Ethereum-compatible “FIFA Blockchain.”
An announcement on Thursday, May 22, revealed that the new solutions will be based on the Avalanche protocol as FIFA pursues a new NFT strategy centered on its own Layer 1 (L1) blockchain.
FIFA Ditches Algorand for Independent Blockchain
FIFA Collect was originally launched in May 2023 on Algorand. The transition to a custom-built blockchain will offer “better performance, future features, and improved scalability,” FIFA said.
The new platform will “support new experiences, enable wallet compatibility, and provide stronger foundations for future innovation,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Avalanche stated that “the goal is to streamline operations, optimize user experience, and deliver consistent, interoperable digital products” to FIFA’s fan base.
The Advantages of Sovereign Blockchains
FIFA’s decision to build its own blockchain reflects the growing demand for purpose-built systems that can scale efficiently and support diverse user experiences.
Avalanche’s architecture enables the deployment of sovereign networks built for high throughput, low latency, and full governance control.
These networks operate independently, but remain fully interoperable with the broader Avalanche ecosystem and Ethereum standards.
The FIFA Blockchain will be the foundation for a new suite of digital products, starting with the migration of FIFA Collect, the organization’s official digital collectibles platform.
Collectors Asked To Reimport FIFA NFTs
NFTs stored in FIFA Collect’s built-in custodial wallet will automatically be transferred to the new chain.
However, FIFA asked users to transfer any collectibles held in Algorand wallets like Pera and Defly back onto the platform ahead of the migration.
For any users who still have NFTs in Algorand wallets, manual migration remains possible via customer support, but may require additional verification, FIFA warned.
James Morales is CCN’s blockchain and crypto policy reporter. He has been working in the news media since 2020, writing about topics such as payments, banking and financial technology. These days, he likes to explore the latest blockchain innovations and the evolving landscape of global crypto regulation.
With an educational background in social anthropology and media studies, James uses his platform as a journalist to explore how new technologies work, why they matter and how they might shape our future.
