Game developer and publisher, EA SPORTS, has furthered its commitment to women’s football by partnering with the Women’s Champions League, which includes several key initiatives.

The company has announced an accelerator fund, which is designed to help the women’s game grow and has committed to US$11 million (AUD$17 million) to jump start the initiative.

Additionally, EA will launch a women’s football internship program at the beginning of 2023, which will be financed from money out of the accelerator fund.

The partnership will also see the knockout stage of the competition, along with several clubs including Juventus Women, Real Madrid Feminino, Manchester City Women, Chelsea Women, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, Paris Saint-Germain F éminine arrive on FIFA 23 early next year.

Commenting on the partnership, EA SPORTS SVP of brand, Andrea Hopkins, said: “EA SPORTS is at the epicentre of global football fandom, and we recognize the role we have in representing and elevating diversity and participation in the sport.”

“Our commitment extends beyond the pitch in the virtual and real world. The Starting XI Fund reinforces our dedication to unrivalled authenticity and representation in our games, and also showcases our focus on being changemakers for the future of the sport,” she said.

UEFA chief of women’s football, Nadine Kessler, added: “We are delighted to see the UEFA Women’s Champions League being integrated into EA SPORTS FIFA 23.”

“It feels like a natural fit for the world’s best women’s club competition to be part of the world’s leading football simulation game.

“This is another major step in the women’s game and an ideal additional platform for the female athletes contributing to its success,” she said.

EA will also sponsor DAZN’s broadcasts of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

The announcement comes after UEFA renewed their partnership with the European Commission.