5 March 2010, SYDNEY – Football fans from around the globe will gear up for virtual football fever this April, as Sydney’s Royal Easter Show plays host to the FIFA Interactive World Cup Australia Live Qualifier Event 2010.

The FIFA Interactive World Cup is the world’s largest football gaming tournament. Organised by FIFA and presenting partners EA SPORTS™ and PlayStation® – it combines online and offline football tournaments played with EA SPORTS™ FIFA 10 on PlayStation®3.

Players from around the world compete online via the PlayStation®Network or via one of 10 Live Qualifier Events, hoping to secure a place in the Grand Final and ultimately be crowned the new FIFA Interactive World Champion 2010!

The FIFA Interactive World Cup Australia Live Qualifier Event is one of only 10 Live Qualifier Events globally.  The event will take place within the EA SPORTS FIFA Football Experience powered by PlayStation® area – a buzzing hub of activity located in The Zone at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show from April 1-14.

Beyond playing home to the Live Qualifier Event, the EA SPORTS FIFA Football Experience powered by PlayStation will host a bevy of celebrity guests, exclusive previews of EA SPORTS 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, a PlayStation 3 entertainment zone, an adidas® football skills arena and pumping music to soundtrack the experience.  

The Sydney Live Qualifier Event will take place over three days – with two days of heats on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 April, leading into the finals on Sunday 11 April. The heats will be a series of Pools leading to a Knockout Playoff on the grand final day, commencing with 64 players, ending with only 1 winner who will qualify to compete in the Grand Final in Barcelona, Spain on 1st May!

Those wanting to participate in the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2010 Australia Live Qualifier Event (9-11 April) should head to www.FIFA.EASPORTS.com/footballexperience for a chance to pre-register online – or simply turn up on the day for your chance at a walk-up position!

To get amongst the action, head to the EA SPORTS FIFA Football Experience powered by PlayStation® located in The Zone at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show from April 1-14.