Croatian Football Federation Integrates Kadena Blockchain for Fan Rewards in Official App

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has introduced cryptocurrency rewards through its official store app, marking the first instance of a national football team embedding such a system directly into a fan loyalty program. In partnership with Kadena, the app now enables users to earn VATRENI tokens automatically on purchases, utilizing blockchain technology to handle rewards without requiring users to manage complex cryptocurrency processes.

Details of the HNS Official Store App Integration

The HNS - Official Store app, available on the Apple App Store, allows fans to shop for team merchandise, including jerseys and scarves. As of the launch on October 7, 2025, every purchase in the app triggers a 1% reward in VATRENI tokens. These tokens operate on the Kadena blockchain, which provides the underlying infrastructure for secure and efficient transactions.

Users do not need prior experience with cryptocurrency to participate, as the app automatically creates and links a digital wallet to each fan's account upon registration or login. This setup ensures that rewards are deposited directly into the wallet without additional steps. The VATRENI tokens can then be redeemed for various items, including additional merchandise and VIP experiences related to the Croatian national team.

Partnership Between HNS and Kadena

This development stems from a multi-year partnership between the Croatian Football Federation and Kadena, first announced in February 2025. The agreement focuses on utilizing blockchain and artificial intelligence to enhance fan interactions, particularly in preparation for major tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup.

Under the terms of the partnership, Kadena supports the creation of reward pools and ticket giveaways tied to HNS events. The VATRENI token serves as the primary asset in this ecosystem, designed to incentivize fan engagement through purchases and participation. The partnership also outlines plans to expand the program's features, with match tickets expected to become redeemable via tokens in future updates.

Kadena's role extends to providing the technical backbone. The blockchain platform is recognized for its layered architecture, which incorporates a proof-of-work consensus mechanism alongside smart contract capabilities through the Pact language. This enables scalable operations, making them suitable for high-volume applications such as fan loyalty programs. In the HNS app, Kadena handles the minting and distribution of VATRENI tokens, ensuring transparency in the calculation and allocation of rewards.

Looking ahead, the app is expected to see widespread adoption among hundreds of thousands of users in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This estimate is based on the Croatian team's global fan base and the increasing interest in digital rewards among sports enthusiasts. The integration aims to streamline loyalty management, replacing traditional point-based systems with blockchain-verified tokens that offer verifiable ownership and transferability.

Meanwhile, the launch timing aligns with key matches in the World Cup qualification campaign. Croatia is set to play the Czech Republic on October 9, 2025, followed by a game against Gibraltar on October 12, 2025. These fixtures are anticipated to boost app downloads and usage, as fans prepare by purchasing merchandise and earning rewards in the process.

What is the VATRENI Token?

VATRENI tokens function as utility tokens within the HNS ecosystem. Built on Kadena's Chainweb protocol, which comprises multiple braided chains for enhanced throughput, the tokens benefit from low transaction fees and high security. Each reward is calculated as 1% of the purchase value, excluding any taxes or shipping costs, and is credited instantly upon transaction confirmation.

The app's backend integrates with Kadena's API to facilitate wallet creation and token transfers. Fans can view their token balance within the app interface, which displays holdings in a user-friendly format without exposing underlying blockchain addresses unless requested. Redemption occurs through in-app options, where tokens are exchanged for predefined rewards at set exchange rates determined by the federation.

Security measures include multi-signature requirements for high-value redemptions and encryption of wallet data. Kadena's design prevents common blockchain issues, such as network congestion, making it suitable for real-time reward distribution during peak events, like match days.

Fan Engagement and Revenue Implications

By embedding blockchain into the loyalty program, the Croatian Football Federation can track fan interactions more precisely. Data from token redemptions and purchases provides insights into preferences, allowing for targeted promotions. For instance, fans who frequently redeem VIP experiences might receive tailored offers for upcoming games.

From a revenue perspective, the system encourages repeat purchases by offering tangible returns. The 1% reward rate serves as a direct incentive, potentially increasing average order values. Unlike conventional loyalty setups that rely on third-party platforms with associated fees, the blockchain integration reduces overhead costs for the federation.

Joel Woodman, Kadena’s Head of Partnerships, stated: "For the Croatian Football Federation, integrating Kadena is a frictionless leap in fan engagement and monetization. Fans enjoy their familiar app experience, but under the hood, blockchain drives deeper loyalty and new rewards. The federation generates more revenue, reaches fans in smarter ways, and avoids the overhead of old-school loyalty platforms."

Conclusion

The Croatian Football Federation's integration of Kadena blockchain into its official store app enables automatic token rewards, allowing fans to earn VATRENI tokens that are redeemable for merchandise and experiences. This setup, part of a multi-year partnership, supports wallet creation for users and positions the program for growth leading up to the 2026 World Cup. 

Overall, it demonstrates how blockchain can handle loyalty programs with reduced costs and enhanced tracking, offering a model for other sports entities. The approach prioritizes practical utility, ensuring sustained engagement through verifiable rewards.

Sources:

• Croatian Football Federation Partnership with Kadena: https://hns.family/en/news/28963/hns-and-kadena-prepare-new-world-cup-and-euro-fan-experiences-using-ai-and-blockchain/
• Croatian Football Federation Official Store App Becomes First to Reward Crypto for Fan Loyalty: https://hns.family/en/news/30048/croatian-football-federation-official-store-app-becomes-first-to-reward-crypto-for-fan-loyalty/ 
• HNS - Official Store App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hns-official-store/id6450211394