FIFA Finalists Finally Found

The qualifying rounds of the FIFA Interactive Worldcup are now over, and if you just found out, you're probably not one of the finalists.  Gamers from around the world competed in both flesh and blood and Xbox Live events to get a shot at the big game next week.

Following intense battles on the virtual football pitches during the qualifying stages of the third annual FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC), FIFA, Xbox®, and Electronic Arts congratulate the 128 finalists who have now secured their place in the FIWC Grand Final.

Since October, fans of real and virtual football from around the world have competed in off and online qualifying events for their chance to take on the ultimate challenge of becoming the FIFA Interactive World Player 2006 and to receive a cash prize of USD $20,000. The 128 finalists will get an all expenses paid trip to compete at the FIFA Interactive World Cup Grand Final at the Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam on Saturday, 9 December (16:00 CET). The winner of the Grand Final will also be invited to attend the FIFA World Payer Gala 2006 at the Opera House in Zurich on Monday, 18 December.