All eight of the league's football teams, including new expansion side Atlético Ottawa - owned by Spanish club Atlético Madrid - will participate in the competition

The eCPL will commence on February 29 and conclude on May 9, with the eCPL final in Toronto to be broadcast live by streaming services OneSoccer and Twitch.

The competition will be operated by esports tournament organisers Northern Arena.

David Clanachan, the CPL commissioner, said: "Partnering with EA for the first all-Canadian eCPL league is another proud moment for us.

"Reaching the global audience through FIFA gamers and the esports competition is an incredible opportunity for us and in-line with our mission to develop good young Canadian players and open the doors of opportunities in the world of professional football - we see this competition as an extension of that."

The inaugural eCPL champion will win CAD$10,000 (£5,800/$7,600/€7,000) and the chance to participate in EA Sports’ FIFA Global Series.

The CPL is one of the youngest football leagues in the world, with its inaugural season played in 2019.

Forge FC, who play their home games in Hamilton, beat Calgary-based Cavalry FC in a two-legged final to be crowned champions.

The CPL follows other football competitions in making a move into esports.

Italy's Serie A launched its own esports league earlier this month, with the English Premier League has also done the same.