Croatian Football Federation Official Store App Becomes First to Integrate Crypto Rewards For Fan Loyalty
John: Hey everyone, I’m John, your go-to tech blogger at Blockchain Bulletin, where I break down Web3, metaverse, and blockchain topics into easy-to-digest pieces. Today, we’re diving into how the Croatian Football Federation’s official store app is pioneering crypto rewards for fan loyalty, based on their recent launch in partnership with Kadena blockchain. If you’d like a simple starter guide to exchanges, take a look at this beginner-friendly overview.
Lila: That sounds exciting, John—fans getting crypto just for being loyal? I’m curious about the details. Can you start by explaining what this is all about?
The Announcement and Background
John: Absolutely, Lila. On 2025-10-07, the Croatian Football Federation, or HNS, announced they integrated crypto rewards into their official store app, making it the first national football team to do so directly for fan loyalty. This builds on their partnership with Kadena, a blockchain platform, which started earlier in 2025.
Lila: Blockchain? I’ve heard the term, but can you remind me what it means in simple terms?
John: Sure—blockchain is a secure, digital ledger that records transactions across many computers, like a shared notebook that can’t be easily altered (think of it as tamper-proof record-keeping). In the past, football federations used traditional points systems for loyalty, but this shift to crypto adds a new layer of digital value.
How the Rewards Program Works
Lila: Got it. So, how do fans actually earn these rewards in the app?
John: Currently, when fans buy merchandise through the HNS official store app, they automatically get 1% back in $VATRENI tokens, which are built on the Kadena blockchain. These tokens act as crypto rewards that fans can hold or potentially use for perks like tickets or VIP access in the future.
Lila: That’s straightforward. Are there any steps fans need to follow to get started?
John: Yes, fans download the app, make purchases, and the rewards are credited automatically—no extra setup required beyond having the app. It’s designed for ease, targeting both crypto newbies and experienced users.
Partnership with Kadena
Lila: You mentioned Kadena earlier. What’s their role here, and why them?
John: Kadena is a layer-1 blockchain known for its scalability and security, and they’ve partnered with HNS since February 2025 to power this program. This collaboration allows for efficient token distribution, and it’s set to run through 2028, covering events like the 2026 World Cup.
Lila: Interesting timeline. Has anything like this happened before?
John: In the past, some clubs like those in fan token projects have offered similar rewards, but HNS is the first national federation to integrate it directly into an official app, as reported by sources like Crypto.news on 2025-10-07.
Benefits for Fans and the Federation
Lila: What do fans gain from this, beyond the 1% back?
John: Fans get real crypto value that could appreciate, plus future perks like exclusive access. For the federation, it boosts engagement and sales—imagine earning tokens while supporting your team.
Lila: Sounds rewarding. Any examples of how fans might use these tokens?
John: Looking ahead, tokens might unlock voting on team decisions or special events, similar to other fan token models, but for now, it’s focused on cashback from app purchases.
Potential Risks and Safeguards
Lila: Crypto can be volatile. Are there risks involved?
John: Yes, crypto values fluctuate, so rewards aren’t guaranteed to hold value—always remember compliance varies by jurisdiction; check official docs and local laws before participating. HNS and Kadena emphasize security through blockchain’s built-in features to protect user data.
Lila: Good to know. Any tips for fans new to this?
John: Here’s a quick list of do’s and don’ts:
- Do download the official HNS app from trusted sources to avoid fakes.
- Do research $VATRENI tokens on Kadena’s site for full details.
- Don’t invest more than you can afford to lose, as crypto isn’t financial advice.
- Do enable app security features like two-factor authentication.
Current Landscape and Adoption
Lila: How does this fit into broader trends?
John: Currently, sports organizations are increasingly adopting blockchain for fan engagement—think NBA Top Shot or other token programs. This HNS move sets a precedent for national teams, with posts on X highlighting positive sentiment since the 2025-10-07 launch.
Lila: Any numbers on adoption so far?
John: Early reports from sources like Inside World Football on 2025-10-07 note it’s live now, but specific user numbers aren’t public yet—it’s gaining traction ahead of major tournaments.
Looking Ahead
Lila: What’s next for this program?
John: Looking ahead, expansions could include more perks by 2026, like tokenized tickets. The partnership aims to evolve fan loyalty through Web3, but we’ll watch for official updates.
Lila: Exciting possibilities. Any final thoughts?
John: This integration shows how blockchain can make sports more interactive and rewarding for fans worldwide. It’s a step toward blending traditional fandom with digital innovation, and I’m eager to see how it develops. And if you’d like a bit more background on exchanges, you might enjoy this global guide.
Lila: Thanks, John—that clears up a lot. Readers, give it a try if you’re a football fan, but always stay informed!
This article was created based on publicly available, verified sources. References:
- Original Source
- Croatia football federation official store app rewards fan royalty with crypto – Cryptopolitan
- Croatian football team taps Kadena blockchain for rewards
- HNS launches cryptocurrency rewards programme powered by Kadena – Inside World Football
- Croatian Football Federation Partners With Kadena To Reward Fans With Crypto Via Official Store App