The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has secured Virgin Media as the title sponsor for its esports initiative, the eLeague of Ireland (ELOI), in a two-year deal. This collaboration extends to the FAI's national eFootball team and the recently introduced EFAI Cup, an EA Sports FC 24 tournament featuring all 20 men's League of Ireland clubs from February 2024. Winners of the Virgin Media ELOI will gain entry to the eChampions League group stage and qualify for the FC Pro World Championship playoffs in June 2024.
Virgin Media's involvement in esports expands beyond this FAI partnership; in October 2022, the company entered a sponsorship agreement with Irish esports organization WYLDE. Additionally, Virgin Media established a free-to-use gaming space within London's O2 Arena in July.
The FAI's collaboration with Virgin Media aligns with the growing trend of strategic partnerships and grassroots initiatives in the expanding Irish esports landscape, as illustrated by Nativz Gaming joining forces with Monster Energy to support the Ireland Esports Collegiate Series earlier this month.
Expressing enthusiasm for the partnership, Sean Kavanagh, Commercial Director of the FAI, emphasized the excitement surrounding Virgin Media's role as the title sponsor for the electronic games programs, highlighting the added opportunity for public engagement through initiatives like the EFAI Cup. The collaboration aims to enhance the visibility of the Virgin Media ELOI, ENational Team, and the broader esports programs, reaching a wider audience with the support of the telecommunications giant.
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