FIFA has announced that traditional Panini World Cup sticker albums will be phased out after the 2030 centenary finals, following a new partnership established on Thursday.

The collaboration between FIFA and Panini has been ongoing for over five decades, dating back to the first World Cup sticker collection launched in preparation for the 1970 tournament in Mexico. By 2030, this partnership will have lasted 60 years.

On Thursday, FIFA revealed it has expanded its agreement with Fanatics to include a broader range of collectibles associated with FIFA tournaments and events starting in 2031.

The sticker albums have enjoyed significant popularity, with a completed album from the 1970 World Cup fetching more than £10,000 at auction in 2017.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, commented, “In the realm of sports, Fanatics is at the forefront of innovation in collectibles, offering fans new and engaging ways to connect with their favorite teams and players. From FIFA’s perspective, this partnership allows us to enhance global fan engagement through our extensive tournament offerings, while also creating another vital revenue stream that we reinvest into the sport of football.”

In December 2023, Panini secured a deal with FIFA to continue as the exclusive provider of official stickers, trading cards, trading-card games, and digital collectibles. This agreement encompasses the upcoming summer World Cup, the 2030 tournament, and the 2027 Women’s World Cup, along with other FIFA events.

Panini has been approached for further comments regarding this development.