First Swiss football club in e-sports

On September 29, EA Sports launched the new version of the video game FIFA 17. The game is not only played as recreational fun but has also established itself in competitive gaming and has grown into a large scene. Professional electronic sports (e-sports) have developed rapidly in recent times, gaining professional structures and are also on a steep upward trajectory in Switzerland.

To coincide with the release of the new version, the first Swiss football club has announced its entry into professional electronic sports together with Interdiscount. However, this is not a big club from the Super League, but FC United Zurich from the third division, of all clubs, which has recognized the potential as an innovative pioneer and is following in the footsteps of international giants.

Although the underdog is the first club in Switzerland, there are already a number of well-known clubs in Europe that have an e-sports team under contract. In addition to FC Schalke 04 and VFL Wolfsburg from the Bundesliga, the Premier League teams of Manchester City and West Ham United are also involved in the market. Valencia CF, Sporting Lisbon, Santos FC, PSV Eindhoven and, most recently, Ajax Amsterdam have also entered the market. According to rumors, other top clubs such as Bayern Munich and Manchester United are already waiting in the wings.

FC United Zurich has not just brought in any players, but has immediately signed the best FIFA players in Switzerland with international recognition. Coach Thomas Temperli's team therefore has anything but unrealistic chances and is ideally placed to succeed internationally as the Swiss underdog against the big Goliaths.

"Competitive gaming has developed very rapidly in recent years and has become increasingly professional. The viewer numbers for major e-sports events can easily keep pace with events in real sport and the coverage they achieve naturally makes this market extremely interesting for football clubs too," says Temperli, who is Switzerland's most successful FIFA player and has over twelve years of e-sports experience.

"I am very grateful for the opportunity we have here at United Zurich. We have opportunities here that can be very helpful for us e-athletes and the training conditions at the United Office are brilliant," says Bruno Bardelas, currently the best FIFA player in Switzerland and Swiss Gaming Challenge winner 2016. Sven Humbel is also one of the top players in the country. He has already impressed with his talent at various tournaments and will be stepping up a gear again with the new version of FIFA.

It remains to be seen how the clubs from the Super League will react to the courage and innovation of the underdog. The team will make its first official appearance at the Suisse Toy / SwitzerLan (Bernexpo) on October 7, where trade fair visitors can challenge the professional players on the console and the players will of course also be available to answer questions.

E-sports / Fifa 17 infographic