Players and clubs across Europe are part of this initiative, which aims to encourage people to stay home.
Electronic Arts and FIFA have joined forces to organize the EA Sports FIFA 20 Stay and Play Cup, a virtual competition that was born under the umbrella of the “Stay at home. Play together ”, motivated by the COVID-19 crisis, which has forced governments around the world to take social distancing measures. Soccer players such as Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid), João Félix (Atlético de Madrid) or Manu Vallejo (Valencia), among others, will represent their clubs in an online European championship.
In total there will be 20 professional players who will play virtually with their teams through the FIFA 20 video game. It will be held from April 15 to 19 and they will compete against teams such as Ajax, Liverpool or Chelsea. This initiative will give players the ability to join, stream and share their content from home.
🎮🚨 Do you know who will represent @RealMadrid in the #StayAndPlay Cup? 😏 @EASPORTSFIFA @EASPORTSEsp # FIFA20 #HalaMadrid https://t.co/cTYAPBTvDd pic.twitter.com/wJviZbmVF4
– Vinicius Jr ⚡️ (@viniciusjr) April 10, 2020
United by video games
"We want to unite the sports community around the world with the EA Sports FIFA 20 Stay and Play Cup so that all fans of the sport continue to enjoy the excitement of their favorite clubs and footballers, even if we have to be separated" highlights Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts. “As part of the 'Stay at home. Play together ', we work to help players around the world to find new ways to connect with the world through video games. With this, added to the contributions we are making, we hope to offer a positive impact in the lives of all the players during this difficult time we are experiencing. ”
The North American company has also confirmed a donation of $ 1 million to the Global Givin's Coronavirus Relief Fund, which aims to alleviate the effects caused by COVID-19. Simon Thomas, FIFA's commercial director, who has also donated money, says that "during this unprecedented period", people from all over the world are being seen "coming together to find new ways to get involved with football." The director affirms that they are not only "committed" to slowing down "the advance of the coronavirus", but also offering "new modalities for soccer fans" to enjoy this sport, given that all major competitions have been suspended and the leagues.
EA invites fans to follow the competition through the EA SPORTS FIFA account and the video game's Twitch channel, where they will be able to enjoy the broadcast. By linking your personal Twitch account with EA's, you will have the opportunity to receive rewards in FUT 20 thanks to Twitch Drops, they explain in the press release.
Source | EA (press release)
