FIFA Kicks Off New Blockchain Era—MetaMask Support, NFT Upgrades Coming
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FIFA has verified that its blockchain-based virtual collectibles platform, FIFA Collect, has completed its move from Algorand’s blockchain to its own Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible blockchain called FIFA Blockchain.
This move will increase scalability, cross-platform operability, and compatibility with the most popular wallets, such as MetaMask and WalletConnect, making it easier than ever for people to access a decentralized exchange.
The first possible opportunity for a Mars Helicopter flight is no earlier than May 20, 2025. This decision marks the end of FIFA’s collaboration with Algorand that commenced in 2022 and represents a clear alignment with the industry-wide trend towards EVM-based solutions that offer deeper integration and enhanced developer support for Web3 projects.
Transition Mechanics and User Impact
The migration’s objective is to improve the performance and scalability of the platform and add some future feature support. After migration, wallets on the Algorand blockchain like Pera and Defly won’t be supported anymore.
Collectibles can be accessed via EVM-compatible wallets such as MetaMask and those that support WalletConnect. If you have taken your collectibles off-platform, you need to re-import them by May 20 so that we can include them in the migration. FIFA has confirmed re-import will be put in place temporarily to update these items.
Failure to re-import in time may require a manual migration through customer service and may involve additional verification. FIFA Collect will be down for about 10-12 hours while the migration happens. Users will be given some prior notice about this downtime.
Algorand’s Strategic Pivot
Less than a year after forging a partnership with Algorand, FIFA has reversed its course because the global football governing body wants to have full control over its digital ecosystem. The company is now focused on blockchain that conforms to widely accepted industry standards.
Having its own EVM-compatible blockchain, FIFA is now ready to take advantage of further integration with Ethereum, which includes software like popular wallets, smart contract platforms, and developer tools. Algorand’s native token, ALGO, witnessed a 3% market drop after the announcement and was trading around $0.2213 on Binance.
This is a sign that FIFA is serious about high-scalability, interoperable blockchain infrastructure with long-term user engagement.
Future Perspectives and Thoughts
According to FIFA, Collect FIFA’s addition to its bespoke EVM-compatible blockchain is also set to enable new functions and further enrich the FIFA Collect platform. Although the technical specifics of the infrastructure remain under wraps, FIFA has stated that the new system will
“enable the introduction of a number of future upgrades to enhance digital fan engagement and platform sustainability.”
Industry experts are also asking whether it will release a native digital asset, provisionally called “FIFA Coin,” as it develops itself, something that could help to bind the platform together and boost user retention. The introduction of such a token would place FIFA in line with wider Web3 monetization trends.
Conclusion
FIFA’s move to its own EVM-compatible blockchain is a significant milestone in the organization’s wider digital transformation plans. By divesting from Algorand and instead selecting an ecosystem with better compatibility, FIFA hopes to increase accessibility, provide a better user experience, and be more in line with global blockchain standards.
The utilization of EVM infrastructure allows for seamless wallet integration with leading platforms like MetaMask and WalletConnect, as well as providing higher compatibility with DApps. Analysts say that while such strategic maneuvers may result in a short-term drop in prices, they are expected to increase long-term user engagement and redefine the digital collectibles industry.
This shift also illustrates a broader movement among industry participants to EVM ecosystems due to their scalability, developer community, and integration opportunities.
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FAQs
1. Why is FIFA shifting from Algorand to their own blockchain?
FIFA is moving to an EVM-based chain for scalability, wallet compatibility, and to adopt the standard method for everyone.
2. Which wallets will be compatible with the new Fifa Blockchain?
New FIFA Blockchain supports MetaMask and all EVM-compatible wallets via WalletConnect (removes Pera and Defly, the previous wallet based on Algorand)
3. Will they lose their FIFA Collect NFTs when the migration occurs?
Users would be required to re-import their exported collectibles by May 20th, 2025, to keep them. A failure may need manual assistance and further confirmation.
4. Is FIFA going to make its own cryptocurrency with the move?
Not officially confirmed, but the discussions about the “FIFA Coin” to better integrate a platform and engage a digital fan react well to the rumor mill.
Glossary of Key Terms
1. EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine)
A decentralized computing platform that allows smart contracts to be run on Ethereum-address-compatible blockchains. It provides cross-chain and developer interoperability.
2. FIFA Collect
tournament that mints digital collectibles to mark events around football, now moving to its own blockchain compatible with EVM from Algorand.
3. Algorand
A Layer-1 blockchain, which is fast and low-priced. They used to be with FIFA for FIFA Collect, which is being sunsetted by FIFA.
4. MetaMask
A widely-used Ethereum-based cryptowallet for interacting with dApps and NFTs. Now available on the new FIFA Blockchain.
5. WalletConnect
An open protocol bridging decentralized apps with mobile wallets, enabling users to safely interact with web3 services on blockchain platforms such as the new chain of FIFA.
6. NFT (Non-Fungible Token)
A one-of-a-kind digital asset that exists on a blockchain and certifies that you own an item, such as a piece of digital art, a sports collectible, or, in this case, a football moment.
7. Blockchain Migration
The act of moving data, assets, or applications from one blockchain to another.
8. Digital Fan Engagement
A method for using digital platforms such as NFTs and blockchain to create engaging experiences that connect sports entities to their fans around the world.
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