EA kicks off FIFA 2005 cover athletes

Electronic Arts kicked off its FIFA 2005 campaign with the announcement of this year’s cover athletes for the multiconsole soccer franchise. Gracing the cover of this year’s North American release are soccer studs Andriy Shevchenko, Fernando Morientes, and Oswaldo Sanchez. Arsenal midfielder Patrick Viera will replace Sanchez in FIFA 2005’s European release. Striker Shevchenko led Italian powerhouse AC Milan in scoring last year, while forward Morientes plays with three-time Champions League winner Real Madrid. Last but not least, Sanchez is the goalkeeper and captain of 10-time national Mexican League champion Chivas.

“Becoming a FIFA cover athlete is an incredible honor,” said Sanchez, a native of Guadalajara, Mexico. “To think that my likeness is in the game and that all the great teams from the Mexican League are now available is tremendous.” “All three players represent the global importance of soccer,” said Matt Bilbey, director of worldwide soccer for EA Sports. “Shevchenko, Morientes, Sanchez, and Viera have each made a significant impact on the sport, and each brings a wide range of personality and style to the FIFA Soccer franchise.”

This 11th incarnation of the FIFA franchise features a new animation system and enhanced controls. Additionally, the game marks the first time all 18 Mexican League teams are included in the game. Gamers can get their hands (and feet) on FIFA 2005 when it bounces into stores on October 5 for the PC and October 12 for the Xbox, Playstation 2, and GameCube. Game Boy Advance, N-Gage, and original PlayStation versions are also in the works.