PES 2019 vs FIFA 19: Konami strikes back after Champions League blow

PES 2019 has delivered a blow to FIFA 19, as Konami secures another new partnership for its annual football series.

The Pro Evolution Soccer developer has announced AS Monaco as a new partner for the forthcoming release.

To celebrate the deal, Konami will produce a special PES 2019 cover featuring Monaco players.

“Konami is working closely to ensure that the club, its stars and Stadium Louis II – which will be made available via download shortly after launch – are all perfectly recreated in the forthcoming PES 2019,” reads an official PES 2019 post.

“Every member of the squad will have their playing style and stats matches, while all kits will be faithfully integrated into the game.

“Similarly, the French iteration of PES 2019 will also boast a specially-created cover featuring global star Phillipe Coutinho and legendary AS Monaco Captain Radamel Falcao.”

The Ligue 1 club will also play a part in “future Ambassador activations” – whatever that means.

PES 2019 will be available on PS4, Xbox One and PC from August 30.

The news comes as EA Sports gives UK football fans the chance to play FIFA 19 ahead of its release date.

Fans who attend next month’s eWorld Cup can play FIFA 19 more than a month before its September 28 release date.

The FIFA eWorld Cup event takes place at The O2 in London on August 4.

“Witness the Final Showdown between the world’s best FIFA 18 players live at the FIFA eWorld Cup Grand Final 2018,” reads an official post.

“Come and meet your favourite FIFA personalities such as Spencer FC and ChuBoi at this spectacular one-day event!”

But the big news is that ticket holders will also be able to play FIFA 19.

“Twenty consoles loaded with FIFA 19 await at the O2 from 12:00 on 4 August,” the post continues. “Be one of the first in the world to try FIFA 19 ahead of its official release.”

Tickets are available from the FIFA eWorld Cup website. Standard entry costs £12, while VIP tickets are priced at £35.

The day begins with the semi-finals of the FIFA eWorld Cup Grand Finals, followed by a special celebrity tournament.

The Final Showdown of the FIFA eWorld Cup Grand Final begins at 6pm, and there’s an after-show party for VIP ticket holders from 8pm.

EA Sports will also use the event to reveal Ultimate Team news for FIFA 19.