Football, Fifa says goodbye to Panini: from 2031 figurines will be Topps
A few steps away from the 60th anniversary, comes the announcement on the termination of the collaboration between Fifa and Panini. No statement from the Italian company, while the foreign company in charge exults: "Historic day"
by Letizia Giostra
It is the end of an era. The Fifa has announced that it has ended its historic partnership with Panini. The Italia company has produced the well-known figurines World Cup stickers for over 50 years.
The handover will take place in 2031 with the takeover of Fanatics, an American company. The brand that will be brought in will be Topps - already well-known since it previously appeared for the 2024 European Championship. The company's catalogue includes - besides collectible cards - sports memorabilia and clothing.
The Turning Point
The paths of Fifa and Panini are splitting after the federation chose to sign an exclusive long-term licensing agreement with Fanatics and get their hands on various collectible items: figurines, cards and card games. The announcement came yesterday, in a statement picked up today by the Afp agency, marking the end of a collaboration that began with the Modena-based company back in 1970. The last album with the presence of their historic logo will be that of the World Cup to be played in 2030. This will be the centenary edition co-organised by Morocco, Portugal and Spain.
What is Fanatics and other links with Fifa
No statement on the matter from Panini. Celebrating instead is Michael Rubin, founder and ceo of Fanatics, who describes the pact with Fifa as a "historic day" for the organisation, the world's leading US sports merchandising giant.
"National team football offers the best growth opportunities in the industry," are Rubin's words, who raises the bar: "We will be able to take collectibles and football-related fiction to a new level. The company is aiming at the younger generation, with the goal of 'introducing the magic to young people from all regions of the world'.
