FIFA to establish group to look into deeper involvement with esports

FIFA is creating a working group that will consider further their esports strategy in the future, the organization stated in their Vision For The Future document released Thursday.

In the document, FIFA outlined how the growth of esports is attractive to them, and the opportunities they see for the space.

"By 2018, worldwide eSports video consumption is expected to reach 6.6 billion hours – a marked increase from 1 billion hours only six years ago," FIFA stated.

"As the world of gaming expands, FIFA has a tremendous opportunity to mimic the production of global events on the pitch with enhanced production of virtual FIFA competitions. To investigate the benefits and feasibility of expanding FIFA’s engagement in eSports, FIFA will commission a working group to consider its forward-looking strategy."

Over the past few months, several soccer teams have purchased or invested in esports. Most notably, German soccer club FC Shcalke 04 pucrhsedEU LCS team Elements in May. Earlier this week, Paris st. Germain was reported to be purchasing Huma, a European Challenger Series team.

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