Manchester United launch Web 3.0 fantasy football game

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Image credit: mooinblack / Shutterstock.com

Manchester United has introduced its unique take on fantasy football with the combined launch of Fantasy United and Player Trading Cards, in collaboration with their partner and blockchain network, Tezos.

The new fantasy football game works by users purchasing packs that cost £3 (AUD $6) with seven Playing Trading Cards. This allows Fantasy United players to own the Manchester United squad as digital collectibles, where they can build a five-man squad to earn points.

The Player Trading Cards will collect points across all competitions and will be based on the real-life performances of the selected players such as goals, assists, tackles and saves.

Some of the rewards for winning United’s newest fantasy football game include:

  • A once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience
  • Physical 24/25 Player Trading Cards
  • Merchandise signed by Manchester United players

Director of Digital Innovation at Manchester United, Ronan Joyce, said about the launch of the club’s new fantasy football game:

“Player Trading Cards allows United fans to collect the whole men’s first team squad, to see those collectibles evolve throughout the season as games are played and goals are scored and have the ability to play those cards in an exciting fantasy football game,” Joyce said in a media release on the club’s website.

“It’s a club-first, it means you can compete against your mates all year long, and it adds even more drama and excitement to watching the Reds at Old Trafford and on the road this season.”

Head of Culture at Trilitech, Tezos R&D Hub, Sunil Singhvi added about the new Web3 fantasy football game:

“Player Trading Cards and Fantasy United is an innovative use of blockchain technology to enable United fans to have a deeper connection with their favourite club. Through dynamically updating collectibles, supporters will be able to cheer on their heroes and watch how the season develops,” Singhvi said in a media release on the club’s website.

“Meanwhile, they will be able to showcase their managerial prowess by selecting their squad in Fantasy United. Developed by our in-house team, it’s a fun and interactive way for fans to get closer to the game and the players of Manchester United.”

The Tezos Ecosystem and Manchester United have launched previously launched campaigns such as ‘The Devils’, the club’s original digital collection released in 2022 featuring a magnitude of unique characters inspired by the club’s history.

With Web 3.0 technology making some waves around Australia despite its controversies, a new fantasy football game involving this type of technology could potentially prove to be an interesting way to entice Australian Football fans as it’s never been done before.

However, it remains to be seen whether United fans are genuinely interested in spending money to build a competitive virtual squad. But by the season’s end, it will show whether other teams and sporting organisations, like the A-Leagues, will venture into something like Fantasy United and utilise Web 3.0 technology.

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AFC anti-doping webinar aims to modernise practices

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Image Credit: Asian Football Confederation Website

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) wrapped up the AFC Member Association Anti-Doping Programme webinar on Monday, highlighting the confederation’s desire to strengthen the honour and fairness of football in Asia.

With 40 Member Associations (MAs) present, the AFC’s webinar was designed to educate MAs on the recently implemented AFC Anti-Doping Activities and Monitoring System, a broad sweeping process aiming to standardise anti-doping practices across the confederation.

Designed to modernise Asian anti-doping practices, the AFC Anti-Doping Activities and Monitoring System is helping to transition MAs from paper-based data collection to digital alternatives. Through this, MAs will be able to observe and record doping activities far easier and will be in compliance with the AFC Anti-Doping Regulations and World Anti-Doping Code.

The AFC Anti-Doping Activities and Monitoring System also includes a number of tools to help boost MAs anti-doping effectivity, such as real-time data submission and secure access controls. Additionally, the system includes provisions to conducting educational programs, recording anti-doping violations, and programme testing.

Saudi Arabian Football Federation Medical Committee Member, Dr. Khalid Awad, outlined the importance of the anti-doping webinar.

“It was a pleasure to be part of the discussions and to learn more about this new system. I feel it has great potential to strengthen collaboration among MAs,” he said in a press release.

“We can use the platform not only to safeguard the integrity of our sport but also to develop more ways to educate ourselves and help our athletes perform at their highest levels.”

Pakistan Football Federation Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Muhd Azam Khan expressed his satisfaction for the AFC’s commitment to modernising anti-doping practices in Asia.

“This is an excellent step by the AFC to digitise records. It will serve as a stimulus for the growth and development of MAs,” he said via press release.

“Additionally, I am confident it will motivate us to organise more capacity-building initiatives in our respective federations.”

The webinar also allowed the AFC and MAs to share the discoveries of a recent AFC survey, which aimed to discover the unique problems each MA has in regard to doping in football.

Nine eyes Optus Sport as Stan Sport expansion opportunity

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Image credit: Optus Sport website

Nine Entertainment is reportedly in discussions to acquire Optus’ sports streaming service, Optus Sport, as part of plans to strengthen its own Stan Sports platform.

This would include handing over the rights to the Premier League, which has been the main selling sport in Optus’ sports streaming subsidiary.

According to the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Nine initiated talks in December, while Optus has been seeking buyers for the service since late 2023.

Optus Shifts Focus Back to Core Business

Optus initially launched its sports streaming service to diversify revenue streams and complement its telecommunications offerings. However, the company has decided to refocus on its core operations and move away from content-based ventures.

In recent years, Optus Sport has opted not to renew broadcast rights for major competitions such as La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, reflecting a strategic shift towards cost-cutting and prioritising its core telecommunications business.

Additionally, the service has seen its subscription price increase from $14.99 to $24.99 over the past two years. Optus also introduced charges for its customers, who previously enjoyed complimentary access to the platform, further signalling its move away from subsidised content offerings.

Nine’s Strategy to Stay Competitive

Acquiring Optus Sport would enable Nine to secure key sports rights, including the English Premier League and FA Cup, while expanding its subscriber base.

This move comes as the Australian streaming landscape becomes increasingly competitive, with international player DAZN poised to enter the market.

DAZN, which recently acquired Foxtel in a AU$3.5 billion deal, is expected to make a significant impact when it launches locally later this year.

Stan Sports: Building a Robust Portfolio

Stan Sports currently holds the rights to premium events such as the Olympic Games, UEFA Champions League, and several rugby union and tennis properties.

Adding Optus Sport’s rights would bolster its offerings and help Nine contend with rivals like Paramount+, BeIN Sports, Amazon Prime, and free-to-air broadcasters.

Consolidation on the Horizon

Australia’s crowded sports media market is ripe for consolidation, with multiple players vying for lucrative rights deals.

Free-to-air broadcasters have maintained a strong foothold, supported by Australia’s anti-siphoning laws, which ensure key events remain available outside paywalls.

Conclusion

While Nine has declined to comment on the AFR report, Optus noted it routinely reviews its businesses to ensure they deliver value.

As the market evolves, this potential acquisition could be pivotal in shaping the future of Australian football broadcasting.

As it stands, the average Australian consumer requires at least four subscriptions to watch every European competition and each of the Top 5 leagues which remains a frustrating solution to legal broadcasts in the country.

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