Events currently managed by FIFA include the FIFAe World Cup, the Global Series and the FIFAe Club Series, all played on Electronic Arts (EA) Sports' FIFA 22.

It was recently announced that its EA Sports FIFA 22 competitions would expand to include three events that are expected to attract participants from more than 70 countries.

The governing body said it is "bullish and excited about the future in gaming and esports for football," but that rights needed to be controlled by more than one organisation.

It claimed it was working with gaming and esports experts, including developers, investors and analysts, as part of a long-term plan for FIFA's relationship with the industry.

Technology and mobile specialist companies are competing for rights which will make them a part of FIFA's platforms and tournaments, and ensure the organisation "has a range of suitable parties with specialist capabilities to actively shape the best possible experiences and offerings for fans and consumers."

FIFA also plans to use its flagship events in the World Cup and the Women's World Cup as a means to expand its involvement with esports and promote closer links between virtual sport and football, including creating new games.

It will continue with the skill-based tournaments held under the FIFAe competition structure.

With the popularity of gaming and esports growing and trends evolving, FIFA argued widening its association was crucial as part of its "duty to support its 211 member associations."

In 2020, licensing rights provided 60 per cent of FIFA's overall revenue at $158.9 million (£115.6 million/€137 million) out of $266.5 million (£193.9 million/€229.8 million).

"A key source of revenue in the licensing rights area was brand licensing for video games," it said.

However, it emerged earlier this month that EA Sports was considering "reviewing our naming rights agreement with FIFA."