The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced a partnership with Kadena to integrate cryptocurrencies into its official fan rewards program. The project marks the first national football team to offer direct benefits in crypto assets, using the Vatreni (VATRENI) token—named after the team's nickname.
The initiative allows fans to receive 1% back in Vatreni tokens on all purchases made through the team's official store app. Token holders will have access to exclusive rewards, such as VIP experiences, limited-edition products, and, in the future, the ability to exchange tokens for match tickets.
The Vatreni token, originally launched on the Polygon network, will now operate on the Kadena blockchain, which will provide scalable infrastructure and full integration for loyalty programs. According to Joel Woodman, Kadena's head of partnerships, the goal is to simplify the fan digital experience without requiring technical blockchain knowledge.
"From the fan's perspective, the underlying blockchain technology is inherently invisible. Our priority is to deliver value through a seamless and familiar user experience, allowing fans to interact naturally, with no learning curve. The key benefit for both the fan and the club is the ability to offer more relevant and personalized experiences and rewards—driven by superior data and real-time insights—while removing friction from the digital experience."
Woodman said.
With this integration, Kadena promises to unify ticketing, merchandise, and membership sales systems into a single digital environment, facilitating management and increasing fan engagement.
Currently, the Vatreni token is traded on exchanges like Binance, although it still sees modest volumes—around $17 in 24 hours and an estimated market value of $4,8 million. The migration to Kadena and the expansion of the rewards program aim to give the asset new utility and solidify Croatia's position as a pioneer in the adoption of cryptocurrencies in football.