The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has launched a new loyalty program that rewards fans with cryptocurrency through its official store app, making Croatia the first national football team to embed blockchain rewards directly into its fan engagement system. HNS released a public statement on Tuesday in conjunction with blockchain company Kadena, which joined forces in […]The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has launched a new loyalty program that rewards fans with cryptocurrency through its official store app, making Croatia the first national football team to embed blockchain rewards directly into its fan engagement system. HNS released a public statement on Tuesday in conjunction with blockchain company Kadena, which joined forces in […]

Croatia football federation flashes crypto rewards for fans using its official store app

2025/10/07 21:07

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has launched a new loyalty program that rewards fans with cryptocurrency through its official store app, making Croatia the first national football team to embed blockchain rewards directly into its fan engagement system.

HNS released a public statement on Tuesday in conjunction with blockchain company Kadena, which joined forces in February this year. The multi-year collaboration extends through major global football tournaments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 UEFA Euro Cup.

The new feature went live on Tuesday, just two days before Croatia’s World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic on October 9 and ahead of its next match versus Gibraltar on October 12. According to the federation, the timing of the product’s debut is meant to increase fan enthusiasm as Croatia pushes toward qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

HNS Official Store app rewards go live

Under the new system, fans who make purchases through the HNS Official Store app, such as jerseys, scarves, or other merchandise, will automatically receive 1% of their spending back in VATRENI tokens.

The tokens, issued on Kadena’s blockchain network, are redeemable for team merchandise and VIP experiences. Future redemption options, such as match tickets, are expected to be added later, according to the federation.

Each participating fan will also have a digital wallet connected to their app account, where they can earn, receive, and store rewards without handling the technical aspects crypto requires at times.

The VATRENI token was first introduced as an ERC-20 asset on the Polygon network but has since migrated to Kadena’s blockchain via the Kinesis Bridge. Kadena’s technology, known for its scalable Proof-of-Work architecture called Chainweb, boasts of providing high transaction throughput with minimal fees.

The blockchain platform supports both its proprietary smart contract language, Pact, and Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compatibility that is currently in testnet, to make development accessible for mainstream applications.

“The goal with the VATRENI token is to push the boundaries of traditional fan engagement and introduce a future-focused experience,” denoted Joel Woodman, Kadena’s Head of Partnerships. “We’re working with our partners to integrate new technology into the Croatian Football Federation ecosystem, including AI tools, virtual experiences, and personalized activations.”

Croatia national team seeks fan engagement through digital tokens

During the Kadena partnership announcement in February, HNS President Marijan Kustić said the federation is responding to how fan behavior is leaning towards cryptocurrencies.

“The mission of HNS is to ensure the development of Croatian football for the future, aligned with trends not only in sports but also in society as a whole. Cryptocurrencies and artificial intelligence have become part of everyday life, so we are keeping pace with that development through our VATRENI project.”

The HNS Official Store app is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. Once logged in, fans can browse official merchandise and automatically receive crypto rewards for purchases without additional setup. Kadena’s system processes the blockchain transactions, so users do not need prior crypto experience to participate.

The partnership also includes promotional elements such as ticket giveaways and reward pools for app users. The federation expects the initiative to increase app downloads in the coming months, with projections of hundreds of thousands of wallets being created before the next World Cup is held next year in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

According to stats from ESPN, Croatia is leading Group L of the UEFA World Cup Qualifications, having won all four of their games against Montenegro, Faroe Islands, Czechia and Gibraltar.

Croatia is among a small but growing number of football organizations experimenting with blockchain-based fan programs. Several European clubs have released fan tokens in recent years, although HNS is the first national team to integrate crypto rewards directly into its official commerce platform.

Paris Saint-Germain’s fan token ($PSG) caught the interest of football fans during the 2024–25 season, particularly after the club won a treble including the UEFA Champions League trophy.

Join a premium crypto trading community free for 30 days - normally $100/mo.

Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.
Share Insights

You May Also Like

Shocking Crypto Scam Exposed: Group Referred to Prosecutors Over $4.3M Fraud

Shocking Crypto Scam Exposed: Group Referred to Prosecutors Over $4.3M Fraud

BitcoinWorld Shocking Crypto Scam Exposed: Group Referred to Prosecutors Over $4.3M Fraud The world of cryptocurrency, while offering exciting opportunities, also harbors significant risks. A recent incident in South Korea serves as a stark reminder, where a group accused of orchestrating a massive crypto scam has been referred to prosecutors. This alleged fraud, totaling 5.8 billion won (approximately $4.3 million), highlights the crucial need for vigilance among investors. Unpacking the Deception: How This Crypto Scam Unfolded According to reports from YTN, the accused group allegedly defrauded 27 unsuspecting investors through a series of elaborate tactics. Their scheme was not just about empty promises; it involved sophisticated manipulation designed to exploit trust and greed. Understanding these methods is key to recognizing potential red flags in the future. Price Manipulation: The ring reportedly manipulated the prices of certain digital coins, creating an artificial sense of value and growth. This tactic makes an investment seem more attractive than it truly is. False Exchange Listings: A major part of their deception involved falsely claiming that specific tokens would soon be listed on prominent cryptocurrency exchanges. Such listings typically lead to price surges, making these claims highly enticing to investors. Guaranteed Returns: Luring victims with promises of large, guaranteed returns on coins that the group personally vouched for was another core element. In the volatile crypto market, “guaranteed returns” are often a tell-tale sign of a scam. These methods collectively created a compelling illusion of a lucrative, low-risk investment, ultimately leading to significant financial losses for the victims. Who Were the Victims of This Massive Crypto Scam? The scale of this operation is considerable, impacting 27 individual investors who collectively lost millions. Each victim likely had hopes of financial growth, only to face the harsh reality of fraud. This incident underscores that even experienced individuals can fall prey to well-crafted schemes, especially when promises of quick wealth are involved. It’s a sobering reminder that the allure of rapid profits can sometimes overshadow critical due diligence. The referral of this group to prosecutors marks a significant step towards justice for those affected by this devastating crypto scam. Why Do These Crypto Scams Continue to Thrive? Despite increasing awareness, crypto scams unfortunately persist. Several factors contribute to their prevalence in the digital asset space: Market Volatility and Hype: The inherent volatility of the crypto market, combined with periods of intense hype, creates an environment ripe for exploitation. Investors eager for quick gains can become less cautious. Complexity and Information Asymmetry: Cryptocurrencies can be complex, and not all investors fully understand the underlying technology or market dynamics. Scammers leverage this knowledge gap. Regulatory Gaps: While regulations are evolving, the decentralized nature of crypto often means there are still gaps that fraudsters can exploit, especially across international borders. Anonymity: The pseudo-anonymous nature of some blockchain transactions can make it challenging to trace funds and identify perpetrators, emboldening criminals. Understanding these contributing factors is the first step in building a stronger defense against such fraudulent activities. Protecting Yourself: Actionable Insights Against Crypto Scams In a landscape where sophisticated fraud like this $4.3 million crypto scam can occur, proactive measures are essential. Here are vital steps you can take to safeguard your investments: Do Your Own Research (DYOR): Always thoroughly investigate any project or token before investing. Look for whitepapers, team backgrounds, community sentiment, and genuine utility. Be Skeptical of “Guaranteed Returns”: No legitimate investment, especially in crypto, can promise guaranteed high returns. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Verify Exchange Listings: Always check official exchange announcements directly on their websites, not through third-party claims or unofficial channels. Understand the Risks: Acknowledge that cryptocurrency investments carry inherent risks, and never invest more than you can afford to lose. Seek Independent Advice: If unsure, consult with a trusted financial advisor who understands the crypto market. By adopting a cautious and informed approach, investors can significantly reduce their vulnerability to fraudulent schemes. The Road Ahead: Legal Action and Investor Vigilance The referral of this group to South Korean prosecutors signals a commitment to tackling financial crime in the crypto sector. Legal actions like this are crucial not only for seeking justice for victims but also for deterring future fraudsters. However, legal processes can be lengthy and complex. Ultimately, the best defense against a crypto scam remains an educated and vigilant investor community. Staying informed about common scam tactics and adhering to best practices for digital asset security are paramount for navigating the evolving cryptocurrency landscape safely. This incident in South Korea serves as a powerful cautionary tale, reminding us that while the crypto market offers innovation, it also demands unwavering caution. Protecting your digital assets starts with awareness, thorough research, and a healthy dose of skepticism towards promises that seem too good to be true. Let this serve as a crucial lesson for all participants in the cryptocurrency space. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crypto Scams Q1: What exactly is a crypto scam? A crypto scam is a fraudulent scheme designed to trick individuals into investing in fake cryptocurrencies, projects, or platforms, often with promises of high, guaranteed returns, leading to financial loss for the victims. Q2: How can I identify a potential crypto scam? Look for red flags such as guaranteed high returns, pressure to invest quickly, anonymous teams, vague project details, unofficial communication channels, and claims of exclusive access or listings that cannot be verified. Q3: What should I do if I suspect a crypto scam? If you suspect a scam, do not invest. If you have already invested, stop all communication with the perpetrators, gather all evidence, and report the incident to relevant financial authorities or law enforcement in your region. Q4: Are all cryptocurrencies risky investments? All investments carry some level of risk, and cryptocurrencies are known for their volatility. However, legitimate projects differ significantly from scams. Thorough research and understanding the inherent risks are crucial for any crypto investment. Q5: How can regulators help prevent crypto scams? Regulators play a vital role by establishing clear guidelines, enforcing anti-fraud laws, prosecuting offenders, and educating the public about the risks involved in cryptocurrency investments. International cooperation is also key to tackling cross-border scams. Stay informed and help protect others in the crypto community! If you found this article helpful, please share it on your social media platforms to raise awareness about the dangers of crypto scams and how to avoid them. To learn more about the latest cryptocurrency market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping investor safety and the future of digital assets. This post Shocking Crypto Scam Exposed: Group Referred to Prosecutors Over $4.3M Fraud first appeared on BitcoinWorld.
Share
Coinstats2025/10/29 15:40