FAI Announces Launch of Competitive FIFA 21 Competition

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) earlier stated its commitment to the rise of Esports, with the press release that the association is launching a domestic FIFA 21 tournament for all League of Ireland clubs, dubbed eLOI.

The Republic of Ireland will also be represented at the FIFAe Nations Series 2021, a worldwide esports series run by football’s governing body, as per the press release.

20 clubs across the League of Ireland Premier and First Divisions will take part in the virtual competition, which will commence on April 6th.

The live final of the FIFA 21 challenge is scheduled to take place on May 10th.

The new eLOI will act as a qualification channel for the FIFAe World Cup: the top two finalist players at the end of the eLOI campaign will secure a place in the EA Sports FIFA 21 European PS4 play-offs later this year.

Since 2004, the best personal FIFA players from every part of the world have come together once every year to compete for the FIFAe World Cup.

In addition to Participation in the Europe-wide qualifiers, the winner of the maiden eLOI will represent the Republic of Ireland at the FIFAe Nations events during the qualification stages to be held this May.

A second Irish representative will be picked through the FAI eCup, an open online competition that will be played through April. Those interested in taking part in the contest can register for the FAI eCup on the official FAI website

The FIFAe Nations event was first held in 2019, where nations were represented by a team of talented and passionate FIFA players. France won the tournament in 2019 when the tournament was held in London.

Speaking to pressmen about the launch of the eLOI, League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon said: “I wish all the clubs taking part the best of luck in the new eLOI tournament and look forward to seeing them going on to represent Ireland on the world stage.”

Robert Garrigan, FAI project lead, also spoke of the announcements: “This marks a good start for the FAI with our first venture into the world of Esports.

We’ve seen big growth in the participation of our Irish football supporters in the Esports space and we can’t wait to put Irish players on the global map in the FIFAe Nations Series and through the brand new eLOI.”

eLOI Format & Rules

The rules written here are meant to ensure the smooth progression of the tournament and help players and administrators resolve conflicts. The most crucial principle is that teams and players attempt, to the best of their abilities, to play and complete their matches regardless of what happens.

Breaking any of the rules may cause a team to forfeit a game – take an instant loss. Severe violation of these rules may lead to disqualification from the tournament.

Registration will open on March 26th!

Important Notice

Games must be recorded as part of new global standard rules. Not adhering to follow this new rule may lead to forfeiture of match points, at the sole discretion of the admin team.

  • Game: FIFA 21
  • Format: BO2 Aggregate Score – Single Elimination
  • Game mode: FUT Friendlies
  • Tactical Defending Required
  • A Trainer must be turned off
  • Squad Restrictions
  • Platform: Playstation