UEFA and EA Sports have unveiled plans for the new eChampions League which will start in March 2019 with knockout competition and culminating with a final in Madrid on May 31.

Competition will be played on PlayStation 4 with eChampions League Global Online Knockout tournaments from March 2-3, with the top 64 players advancing to a live qualifying event on April 26-27.

“We see the eChampions League and competitive FIFA as an important step in connecting with existing and new fans of the UEFA Champions League,” said Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA marketing director.

The eight finalists, representing their clubs, will draft and use footballers involved in the Champions League group stage. The winner will earn a $100,000 (£76,830) share of the $280,000 (£215,125) prize pool.

“It creates a unique opportunity for the competitive Fifa superstars to represent their clubs in the pinnacle of club football,” said EA Sports gaming chief Brent Koning.