The Japanese soccer world is about to be revolutionized by blockchain technology thanks to the partnership between Verified Collection, a blockchain startup focused on the tokenization of digital collectibles and Vissel Kobe, a J.League football club. The goal of the partnership is to change the way fan merchandise is stored and sold digitally.
Verified Collection And Vissel Kobe To Change The Soccer Game With Blockchain
Verified Collection And Vissel Kobe To Change The Soccer Game With Blockchain
Using blockchain technology, Vissel Kobe is going to launch a fan-powered tour for blockchain-authenticated merchandise for fans in the United States. The tour is going to start in 2019 and it is scheduled to happen across Southern California. There will be four friendly match-ups between Orange County SC, LAFC, Toronto and Columbus Crew. It will last from January 28th to February 4th.
Verified Collection will be the exclusive merchandise partner of Vissel Kobe and would be responsible for releasing a limited edition drop kit. The drop kit will be made up of products that can be authenticated with blockchain technology. This is no surprise since verified collection is a digital marketplace that allows users to unlock and authenticate interactive experiences using the physical and digital collectibles.
The CEO and founder of Verified Collection, Dil-Domine Jacobe Leonares said that the upcoming tour is going to introduce blockchain technology into the soccer world through merchandise authentication. In his words:“We are happy to have the opportunity of being the first ever fan-powered sports tour that will showcase the quantum fingerprint TAG system for the authentication of fan merchandise to unlock interactive experiences across mobile, web and console devices.”
By integrating digital and physical goods in world of sports, both companies hope to introduce a new era of fan engagement across the global marketplace. During the pre-sale, a limited-edition of the Vissel Kobe drop kit will be released. This will include tour t-shirts, football fan scarf, etc.
All products will be verifiable on the blockchain and would cost $125 USD (MSRP $250) per kit. As a way of showing appreciation to Vissel Kobe fans, 25 jerseys that have been signed by the team members will be added to the collectibles during the pre-sale. They will be placed randomly into different boxes.
Andres Iniesta, a legendary soccer player and a member of the Vissel Kobe team, made a comment about the development. In his words:
Andres Iniesta, a legendary soccer player and a member of the Vissel Kobe team, made a comment about the development. In his words:
“This is the first time ever in the history of football in Japan that a J.League team will travel to the United States for friendly matches. I want to use this opportunity to thank all the loyal Vissel Kobe fans for the devotion and commitment to our football club and their support of this blockchain authenticated fan-merchandise. This is something that has never been attempted in the history of football here.”
Any fan who is interested in participating in getting a limited edition in the pre-sale can do so by visiting the Verified Collection website. They can also sign up to join the fan powered tour that is bringing legendary players like Lukas Podolski, Andres Iniesta, and David Villa to the United States for friendly matches against some of the most popular players in North America.
Thanks to this partnership between Rakuten, Verified Collection and Vissel Kobe that was brokered by Sports&Life, global sports fan engagement will move to a whole new level. To learn more about the tour, you can visit the www.visselkobeusatour.com website.
