OPINION: FIFA launching its own blockchain could be the most underrated move in global sports right now.

Most people are focusing on collectibles, NFTs, or whether the chain will gain traction.

But here’s where I believe the real opportunity is:

This is not just a Web3 experiment. It’s a move to build the financial infrastructure of global football, and potentially beyond.

If FIFA plays this right, they won’t just be the face of the sport.

They’ll be the engine underneath it.

Here’s how:

A FIFA-backed stablecoin could become the default currency for transfer fees, wages, agent commissions, sponsorship settlements, and prize money.

Smart contracts could enforce compliance, financial fair play, and even automate disbursements across federations, clubs, and players.

Payment speed, transparency, and trust; all drastically improved.

Now zoom out:

Once that stablecoin becomes embedded in the football economy with billions of dollars in annual flow, the liquidity and trust will naturally attract other use cases.

Clubs will hold it in treasuries.

Players will be paid with it.

Broadcasters, sponsors, and fans may transact with it.

Other sports and verticals may adopt it simply because the rails are already trusted, live, and liquid.

That’s how FIFA becomes not just a governing body but a digital central bank for sport.

Yes, execution matters.

Yes, governance will be key.

But the strategic logic is sound: own the rails, and you own the future.

This isn’t about chasing hype.

This is about monetizing global trust at scale.

Curious to hear what others think. Would you trust and use a FIFA-backed stablecoin if it became the norm in global football?