The AFL has been mercilessly mocked over the launch of its new NFT venture after allowing free-for-all access to its messaging service Discord.
The AFL and world leading digital company Animoca Brands launched its ‘AFL Mint’ website just days ago with a view to release its first official licensed NFT ‘drop’ in the coming weeks.
A Non-Fungible Token is a unique digital token encrypted with an artist’s signature and which verifies its ownership and authenticity and is permanently attached to the piece.
As part of that launch, the AFL opened up an AFLMINT Discord channel, a social media app which has quickly become the preferred way of communication by the crypto currency and NFT communities.
The AFL plans to peddle NFTs to its fans and members of the growing crypto community
AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has egg on his face after a blundering entry into the world of NFTs
The AFLMINT Discord channel was instantly mocked for allowing free-for-all access to its various official channels
Discord channels allow interested parties to engage in direct communication with business leaders and are regarded as a safe and regulated way to source accurate information.
Upon launching its messaging service this week, the AFL set heads shaking in disbelief as it allowed open access to its ‘Official Link’ section.
The section traditionally houses links to trusted content signed-off on and approved by the company – in this instance the AFL.
But in a monumental blunder that could have resulted in the scamming of those unfamiliar with the emerging crypto world, the page allowed anyone to post potentially dubious links.
‘Amateur hour on the @AFLMint Discord, with unlocked channels in their “official links” and “welcome” pages,’ a tweet from one user read on Friday.
‘OGs had a good laugh. I hope they get their act together, as you only get one go at this. I’m grateful scammers haven’t found it yet.’
EPIC FAILURE: The AFL has been mocked for its early steps into the world of NFTs
A meme mocking the AFL on its recently launched Discord channel
NFT veterans were quick to jump on the AFLs Discord blunder
While the AFL scrambled to close down access on its Official Link section under a barrage of ridicule, it forgot to close the door on its ‘Welcome’ section, which also traditionally acts as a go-to point for official content.
‘Typing whatever I want in the welcome channel. Nothing stopping me from doing it,’ a user mocked.
‘Scammers heaven in here,’ another wrote.
‘Y’all need any help with a discord build? Feel free to hit me up,’ yet another user joked.
Then the memes began.
NFT scams have become a serious tool within worldwide criminal organisations.
Financial crime specialist and crypto expert Nik Horniacek told abcNEWS he fell for his first NFT scam in December.
Excited about a popular NFT venture that was launching in February, he clicked on a social media link that he thought would lead him to the project site, but instead drained all his cryptocurrency.
A local expert in the field, who asked to remain anonymous, said although the AFL appeared to have ‘dodged a bullet’ with its Discord launch, it was a serious misstep.
Jacob Koschitzke of the Hawks and Mark Blicavs of the Cats during their April 18 clash
The AFLMINT welcome page was targetted after its official-link section was closed
The AFL has got off to a wobbly start to its new NFT venture
‘They have setup the official Discord Server and all the channels are fully open. Including the official links channel, so scammers could just post stuff in there and steal dumb peoples NFTs. Insanity. Never seen anything more amateurish,’ he told Daily Mail Australia on Friday.
The AFL hopes fans will buy digital assets featuring their favourite players which will give them access into ‘immersive experiences’, ticket upgrades and exclusive merchandise.
The move into NFTs closely mirrors ventures abroad, such as the National Basketball Association, Formula 1, Cricket Australia and Tennis Australia.
Just days ago outgoing AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan bragged that its five-year partnership with Animoca Brands marked a new way for the AFL to interact with fans.
‘Our aim is to continue to bring fans new ways of engaging in Australian football and by partnering with Animoca Brands, we will be playing in a digital space that is only getting bigger,’ he said.
‘We are officially entering the Web3 space and excited to immortalise moments in time across our AFL and AFLW competitions.’
Daily Mail Australia contacted the AFL for comment, but was ignored.
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