Uefa Unveils Socios Fan Token Deal
Football’s European governing body, UEFA, has agreed a global licensing and regional sponsorship deal with Socios.com, the blockchain-enabled fan token platform.
Socios.com has become an official licensed product and the official fan token partner of UEFA’s Champions League, Europa League, Europa Conference League and Super Cup club competitions.
Socios.com has also become a regional sponsor of the Champions League and Super Cup in the United States until 2024, and will benefit from brand exposure via virtual perimeter boards, broadcast sponsorship billboards and digital sponsorship rights.
Speaking about UEFA’s first fan token partnership, the governing body’s Marketing Director, Guy-Laurent Epstein, said, “We are always looking for innovative partnerships, including with the growing cryptocurrency and blockchain-based fan engagement market.
“With rich experience working with some of the top sports organisations around the world, it is clear that partnering with Socios.com is an ideal fit that brings added value to fans. We look forward to a fruitful relationship over the course of the next three seasons.”
UEFA will reward fan token holders on Socios.com in various ways, including VIP trips to UEFA events and virtual meet-and-greets with legends, as well as match tickets, merchandise and memorabilia.
Alexandre Dreyfus, CEO of Socios.com, added, “This groundbreaking partnership is a result of UEFA and Socios.com’s shared commitment to embracing innovation and technology to enhance the fan experience in sport.
“Thanks to this new alliance, hundreds of millions of fans around the world will have the opportunity to become more than spectators and play active roles in the biggest club football competitions on the planet through Fan Tokens.”
To date, more than 120 sports organisations have partnered with Socios.com through fan tokens, including top football clubs, Formula One, the Ultimate Fighting Championship and various teams from the US major leagues.
However, the latest deal has not been universally welcomed.
We are appalled by @UEFA‘s decision to team up with @socios, a company that monetises fan engagement at the expense of match-going fans.
This is an incomprehensible move at a time when football needs protection from crypto-mercenaries. https://t.co/FVRAJHRdRX
— FSE – Football Supporters Europe (@FansEurope) February 15, 2022
Football Supporters Europe (FSE), which has members in more than 50 UEFA nations, said on Twitter that it was “appalled” by UEFA’s decision to link up with “a company that monetises fan engagement at the expense of match-going fans”.
FSE added, “This is an incomprehensible move at a time when football needs protection from crypto-mercenaries.”
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