FIFA Collect, the official NFT platform for football fans and NFT collectors, has transitioned from the Algorand network to Avalanche (AVAX) as it plans to establish its own layer 1 crypto network.
Originally launched on Algorand in 2022, the platform gained popularity thanks to the network’s stability, cheap fees, and rare, tradable NFTs.
The decision to migrate came as a surprise to the Algorand network, which questioned the strategic advantages of the move.
Algorand or Avalance? FIFA Goes to AVAX
While the switch was intended to bring enhanced scalability and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility alongside faster transaction speeds, users have yet to see such improvements on AVAX.
FIFA Collect allows fans to buy, trade, and collect rare digital FIFA-themed NFTs. The platform frequently hosts NFT drops and bundles, with a major push for the platform to be expected ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In late May 2025, FIFA Collect officially announced its plans to migrate to AVAX. On May 20, users were required to move their NFTs from Algorand to the new network.
From FIFA Collect via Twitter/X:
“This move enhances our ability to deliver unique digital collectibles and immersive fan experiences, powered by the speed, scalability, and EVM compatibility of Avalanche. It enables seamless wallet integration, easier access, and a future-ready foundation for growth.”
At an Avalanche Summit in London, FIFA Collect CEO Francesco Abbate was joined by Ava Labs to unveil the new FIFA network, built on Avalanche.
Abbate explained the rationale behind the move:
“A prominent blockchain was essential for FIFA. We analyzed numerous options over many months, considering gas fees, security, speed, and optimization. Ultimately, Avalanche stood out as the most robust technological solution.”
A troubled transition to AVAX leaves fans wanting more
However, the transition hasn’t been entirely smooth. Since the migration, users have reported significantly higher gas fees, rising from approximately $0.0002 on Algorand to $0.18 on AVAX.
FIFA Collect users have also expressed frustration over longer transaction times, with reports of delays lasting up to 10 minutes.
Despite these hiccups, the FIFA blockchain is gearing up to host a wave of new users during the 2026 World Cup, where the network will be put to the test.