FIFA taps Avalanche for own EVM-compatible network, plans to migrate NFT collection from Algorand and Polygon

FIFA revealed Layer 1 blockchain Avalanche as its partner to power a new network compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM).

The footballing body first announced plans to create its own blockchain in late April. Previously, FIFA relied on Algorand and Polygon to house its digital collectibles known as FIFA Collect. In the future, FIFA Collect and the association’s NFTs will live on the Avalanche-based EVM chain, according to a Thursday statement .

Francesco Abbate, CEO of FIFA Collect and Modex, FIFA’s collaborator for its digitized fan experience, said the decision will improve speed, scalability, and security. “That means seamless integration with popular wallets, easier access, and a future-proof foundation for growth,” Abbate added.

The FIFA Blockchain will debut with FIFA Collect fully migrated, ending support for Algorand and Polygon. Neither Avalanche nor the global football association shared a launch timeline.

News of the FIFA EVM network came months after Avalanche deployed its “Avalanche9000” upgrade , which the L1 said would reduce developer costs and simplify launching subnets. AVAX, Avalanche's native token, was up 10% on May 22 during a broad crypto market uptrend, according to The Block's price page .