Bohemian FC and Shamrock Rovers FC will play the first-ever virtual Dublin derby on FIFA 2020 produced by communications and advisory firm Teneo and hosted on sports website Balls.ie.
The game will be streamed online on Friday, 24th April, at 8 pm and will see Bohemians midfielder Keith Ward take on Shamrock Rovers’ star Aaron McEneff in a match up to stir the passions of the clubs’ fans, albeit from the vantage of their own living rooms.
The two players have expressed their love for video games, with football games such as FIFA holding a special place for Rover’s midfielder McEneff who said: “I’ve played a lot of FIFA over the years and I can’t wait to represent Rovers and take on Bohemians – all in aid of a great charity in Pieta House.”
Bohs star Ward commented on the initiative: “I think everyone is missing sport right now and even though we can’t physically be on a pitch hopefully football fans around the country will get a lift from being part of the first virtual Dublin derby. Any win over Rovers is worth celebrating so hopefully, I can do the club and fans proud in the game.”
Commentary for the digital derby will be provided by commentator and broadcaster Dave McIntyre and fans will be able to watch the game on the two clubs’ social media channels as well as through the Balls.ie Facebook page where the game will be streamed.
People who watch the game will also have the option to make a charitable donation with all funds raised going to suicide prevention charity Pieta House.
“Sport and sponsorship is part of our company’s DNA,” said Rob Pearson, Director at Teneo.
“We understand the unique ability of sport to bring people together. Even in these challenging times, there are opportunities for brands and organisations to create, entertain and connect with a content-hungry audience.”
This is the kind of idea that would have been deemed as quirky three months ago but which now holds out the possibility of real excitement and a competitive spirit.
Read more of our expanding esports coverage on Sport for Business
Join us tomorrow morning for our Live Sport for Business Webinar on esports in 2020
Check out our Live Webinar series Events coming up on Sport for Business
