Al Ahly Makes History as First African Team on FIFA's NFT Marketplace
Al Ahly, Egypt's prestigious football club, has made history by becoming the first African team to join FIFA Collect, FIFA's official NFT marketplace. The club aims to boost its digital presence and fan engagement through this initiative.
Al Ahly will offer digital collectibles showcasing its rich history, players, and memorable moments on FIFA Collect. The club's CEO, Amir Tawfik, views this collaboration as a significant stride in Al Ahly's digital transformation strategy.
FIFA, proud to welcome Al Ahly, plans to migrate its NFT platform to its own Ethereum-compatible blockchain by the end of the month. Currently, FIFA Collect is hosted on the Algorand blockchain, having initially launched on the Polygon network and OpenSea marketplace in 2023. Al Ahly's NFT marketplace is also expected to migrate to the Polygon blockchain platform by the end of the month.
The NFT market has witnessed a downturn, with art NFT trading volumes plummeting by 93% since their 2021 peak. However, targeted initiatives like Al Ahly's could help revitalize interest in the NFT space, as sports NFTs continue to gain traction.
Al Ahly's entry into the digital collectibles realm positions the club as a pioneer in fan engagement. By joining FIFA Collect, Al Ahly not only enhances its digital presence but also contributes to the evolution of the NFT market.
