FIFA, Electronic Arts and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today announced the new season of the FIFA Interactive World Cup, the world’s only officially FIFA sanctioned global football gaming competition, Sony joins EA as a new presenting partner for the tournament, in which participants from around the world compete using EA SPORTS FIFA 08 on the PlayStation 3. The FIWC launches with a new format, designed as a season-long experience mirroring the real world of football. The announcement was made today at the Leipzig Games Convention.

The FIWC 2008 kicks off in early October 2007 and will culminate in the Grand Final in Berlin’s Sony Centre in May 2008. This year, players can compete at one of more than 20 physical FIWC 08 Qualifier Events across the globe or online via the PLAYSTATION Network in over 25 countries. In May 2008, finalists will compete to be crowned FIFA Interactive World Player 2008 at the FIFA World Player Gala and win a cash prize of USD 20,000. Registration opens today at www.FIFA.com/FIWC

“To be associated with the world’s leading games publisher, EA, and one of the most respected organizations in the world, FIFA, is very exciting for us,” said Simon Rutter, VP Sales & Marketing for SCEE. “With the added realism that PS3 brings to FIFA 08, we have every belief that now is the time to truly make an impact with the FIFA Interactive World Cup, We’re looking forward to PS3 fans helping to make the tournament every bit as iconic for gamers as the real FIFA World Cup is for football fans.”

Matt Bilbey, Senior Director, Sports Marketing, EA said “The FIFA Interactive World Cup has become a firm fixture in the diaries of many football fans and gamers around the world and we’ll be there to bring them a season full of great competition with FIFA 08 on the PlayStation 3. With FIFA 08, EA Sports is delivering the sensations of being on the real FIFA World Cup football pitch, so football gamers in every geography better start practicing!“

“The FIFA Interactive World Cup is an excellent platform to introduce gamers to the football community. This year the show continues with the 4th edition of the FIFA Interactive World Cup which enables people to enjoy football on a unique playing field. With the extended event period matching the European league system, we have made yet another big step towards establishing the FIFA Interactive World Cup as the world’s leading football gaming competition just like the FIFA World Cup is for real football”, says FIFA Executive-Member Chuck Blazer

EA SPORTS FIFA 08 for the PLAYSTATION 3 will create a football experience that matches the complexity, finesse and beauty of the real-world game. FIFA 08 features a new, organic building-block system that enables players to combine tricks and skill moves together to recreate signature moves from the real-world superstars or define their own style of play.

In addition, FIFA 08 features a true next-generation ball-striking engine that re-creates the drama and unpredictable nature of shooting, the award-winning Interactive Leagues online gameplay and the inclusion of 620 licensed teams, 30 leagues, and more than 15,000 players.