The partnership extension follows the hugely successful launch of EA SPORTS FIFA 22 which was released on 1 October, and builds on the relationship that has been in place between us since the 2008/09 season.

Chelsea Chief Executive Guy Laurence said: ‘A partnership between the European champions and the number one sports video game franchise in the world is a natural one and has already benefitted us both greatly.

‘At Chelsea we are excited to see the world-class entertainment that will result both on and off the pitch, through football and gaming, and how it will appeal to the next generation of fans globally, building on the success we have had together over many years.’

‘We’re excited to be extending our partnership with Chelsea – one of the most innovative and aspirational football clubs in the world,’ said David Jackson, VP of Brand, EA SPORTS FIFA. ‘Our new partnership reaffirms a commitment to deliver the most connected, creative and competitive experiences for Chelsea fans globally.

‘For the last decade we have collaborated on content that blurs the line between the virtual and real in football, and we look forward to future ways we’ll engage with the club’s global audience, as we create the future of football together.’

The renewed partnership means Chelsea FC and EA will continue delivering world-class entertainment for fans in the form of innovative digital and social media initiatives, as well as exciting experiences at Stamford Bridge throughout the coming seasons. The renewal will also have an added focus on APAC and North American rights, which are key growth markets for both organisations.

The relationship between EA and Chelsea has been showcased on and off the pitch for years as fans across the globe consistently select the club in-game. The deal comes as EA SPORTS continues to see incredible success with the franchise, with FIFA 22 generating record-breaking player engagement and is the world’s most popular sports game.