What is the iFVPA - International Fifa Virtual Pro Association? How is the FVPA involved?
The iFVPA initiative is the coalition of International Fifa Clubs Communities (Virtual Pro Associations) to give the ability of running International competitions where the best players from Clubs compete together for their nation against the best players from England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, USA, Italy, Brazil, Costa Rica, Germany, Mexico and France (Plus many more...)
After a very Successful Fifa 11 and first year, the iFVPA saw the sign up of more than 25 Countries per console across 15+ Communities. Competing in Friendlies, International X Cup and the COPA America Cup. Nearly 400 International games took place.
The amount of work and co-ordination that goes into a project like this is a mammoth task. Representatives from the FVPA, FIVP, FVPAA and Fifamexico - All of whom have their own day to day communities to contend with, can all be thanked for this, because without their vision, this exciting venture would not be about today.
The FVPA's involvement includes, FVPA Kelley as one of 2 co-founders in a team of 6 Administrators from other Communities as mentioned above. English Speaking Hosted Nations, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, USA and Wales. 11 National teams across PS3 and Xbox. We host these nations with a dedicated forum area, we also award CAPS for every Ranked Friendly or Tournament match. In Fifa 11 3,000+ CAPS were awarded. The responsibility of selecting Managers and ensuring the iFVPA rules are followed we have 2 x iFVPA Directors of Football, FVPA Kelley on Xbox and Bluenilsatis for PS3. This job amongst the many others that we take on is important, people will agree and disagree with decisions all the time, but the important thing is the Managers and Players are representing the FVPA in the international community with the best of intentions.
Player Eligibility - The ruling of players who are eligible to represent their country is based on the "Real" Fifa ruling, if you were eligible to represent your national football side, then you would be eligible to represent your nation in an FVPA hosted International team. Unfortunately this comes down to trust, we hear whispers of players lying to get into a national team with their mates and therefore putting eligible players out of having a chance. How do we prove it ? simple fact is at present we cannot prove beyond reasonable doubt that someone is lying, we can take steps to ensure that Managers are really sure their players are eligible. Players must select their nationality when signing up to the FVPA, once a player has played for a national side they are locked in.
Why would any player Lie about their nationality? Is there no sense of pride and patriotism? I cannot answer this question, I am very proud to play for England if/when selected as a 100% Englishman. Yes it’s a computer game, but the iFVPA network and the feeling of coming up against other national teams is brilliant and enhances the overall Fifa Clubs experience.
What if someone was found out to be Lying ?
If the FVPA can prove beyond reasonable doubt that a Player or Manager had knowingly signed/played a player that was not eligible then they would both be banned from the FVPA permanently. Is that a bit extreme? I don't think so, the amount of work and effort that goes in to the international community you should expect some honesty, playing for a country that you are not eligible for is cheating other players out of the chance to play. Is there any chance the iFVPA could find a way of checking eligibility just as the "Real" Fifa do? There are discussion going on at the moment to try and work out the logistics of such a task, Also possible ways of changing the eligibility to be more realistic, leaving less opportunity for people to take advantage of the current ruling. It’s just a shame that we have to put so much effort into this, when we could be doing other things!
We appreciate not everyone will make it into their national side just like the “Real” national side but with the recent introduction of the “My FVPA” development module we will have a more extensive platform which I expect to be a good advertisement for some of the best community clubs players on the FVPA. Managers will need this tool to ensure they have the pick of the best and most active players, the rest is down to team chemistry and personalities.
We have a huge task this year to prepare for a European Cup, A World Cup and the introduction of the Clubs Champions League. As well as the finalisation of the “My FVPA” Module and implementation of our own local Leagues and Tournaments! We will get there and we expect another very successful year, providing an enhanced Clubs experience to all of our members!
Many Thanks
Kelley