EA to stump up USD $20,000 prize for FIFA tournament

Electronic Arts' FIFA Interactive World Cup is to receive a boost with a USD $20,000 (EUR 15,900) cash prize going to the winner - the first time the company has offered a financial incentive to consumers to enter the annual competition.

A series of qualifying matches will be held across the globe in locations such as Brazil, Denmark, Spain and Germany, with the final held in Amsterdam on December 9th.

"We're really excited to be part of the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2006 exclusively bringing next-generation high-definition football gaming action to players across the globe with FIFA 07," said Richard Teversham, head of marketing at Xbox Europe.

"It's great to be hosting the connected gaming tournaments on Xbox Live giving our three million members worldwide the chance be part of this great competition and take on their friends," he added.