Additionally, AFA is expected to launch its initial batch of officially licensed NFTs soon in collaboration with its new partner.

Leandro Petersen, AFA Sales and Marketing Manager, said: “Being able to announce AFA's personalized NFT platform, together with OneFootball, means taking another step in our expansion into the digital world. Soon we will be launching the first AFA NFT collection, strengthening our bond with the fans of the Argentine national team, not only in this World Cup year, but also in the years to come."

In a joint statement, both entities confirmed that the digital assets will be themed by national teams, past and future, with the participation of players such as Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María and influenced by legends such as Diego Armando Maradona, Claudio Paul Caniggia and Gabriel Batistuta. 

Besides, Claudio Tapia, AFA President, said: “We are delighted to be the first federation to launch a personalized NFT platform with OneFootball, further transforming digital experiences for our national teams and football fans. This is the beginning of an exciting new era in football, and the Argentine national team will be at the center of it thanks to this partnership.”

Fans will be able to interact with NFTs in OneFootball's marketplace, Aera, created exclusively to offer fans digital and collectible soccer experiences.

In conclusion, Lucas von Cranach, CEO and Founder of OneFootball, commented: “OneFootball will bring tens of millions of football fans from Web2 to Web3 in the coming years. To do this, it is essential to have the right partners who share our enthusiasm for delivering a web-based, decentralized future of football3.”

He concluded: “By becoming the first federation to launch licensed digital collectibles with OneFootball, the AFA will give fans more access and more ownership, helping to bring them even closer to the game they love.”