MLS-fodboldholdet New York City FC er blevet det første hold i ligaen der har skrevet kontrakt med en FIFA 17-spiller, og Christopher Holly vil ny repræsentere klubben ved turneringer.
"As esports continues to gain momentum, NYCFC has decided that now is the time to deepen its engagement in the industry, bringing even more to fans, many of whom are avid FIFA players," har New York City FC afsløret i en officiel meddelelse.
Diego Giglian hos City Football Marketing har sagt:
"At New York City FC, we are always looking for new ways to innovate and get closer to our fans. We are delighted to welcome Christopher Holly to the Club to represent NYCFC as the first ever esports player in MLS."
"Christopher will play EA Sports FIFA at gaming tournaments around the world and challenge NYCFC fans pre-match as well as our players. We'll also be creating content and livestreaming on platforms like YouTube and Twitch."
"This is the next stage in our esports strategy at City Football Group. Last year, we signed Kez Brown as Manchester City's first esports player and now it is great news that Christopher is joining our group."
Holly har selv sagt:
"It's an honor to represent NYCFC. It's a chance of a lifetime, I'm really excited and looking forward to the future.
"I never thought this would happen so when the club contacted me, I was shocked and now I'm really looking forward to it."
"I think NYCFC has some great players such as Pirlo and David Villa. They're players I used to watch when I was younger so now that they're in the MLS and in NY, it's great."
Holly har kvalificeret sig til Sæson 2 af de regionale finaler i Vancouver, der foregår d. 22 april, og sigter efter at kvalificere sig til FUT World Championship i Berlin.