Sports has been at the forefront of innovation, with the latest tech advancements branching out of the sector. In the build-up to Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022, payment services provider Visa announced a partnership with Crypto.com to engage fans in a pre-event NFT auction, the proceeds of which will go to a charity.

Designed using an algorithm by XK Studios, the collection comprises five NFTs memorializing the goals of iconic footballers – Jared Borgetti, Tim Cahill, Carli Lloyd, Michael Owen, and Maxi Rodriguez – which will be available for bidding until November 8 on Crypto.com.

“It’s amazing to see the way that one of my most memorable goals has been transformed into digital art and then minted into an NFT. I think that the community focus of the auction is even more impressive, with all proceeds benefitting Street Child United,” said Tim Cahil, Australian footballer.

Fans with the highest bid for each NFT at the close of the auction will receive the NFT in their Crypto.com wallet, along with a printable art file and signed memorabilia. 

The pre-game auction is part of Visa’s Masters of Movement hybrid experience, which features an immersive activation for fans at FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. 

“Now at the center of payments conversations globally, NFTs have given new impetus for the creator economy, particularly in art and sports,” said Akshay Chopra, Vice President and Head of Innovation & Design at Visa Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa. 

Additionally, as part of Visa’s immersive fan experience, visitors can mint digital art based on their signature movements at an interactive pitch at the FIFA Fan Festival in Doha.

“What we want to show is that the Visa network enables fluid and seamless movement of money around the world, just as the best football players move across the pitch,” said Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Visa’s Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for the GCC at Visa.

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