Erich Rutem�ller from FIFA's Technical Committee will be helping the EA squad by giving some pointers on how to make the upcoming FIFA 2004 more realistic.

Each edition of the FIFA series throughout the years didn't necessarily improve the game. FIFA 2002, for example was a step back in terms of realism and a step forward in graphics. FIFA 98, on the other hand, is still considered one of the best titles of the bunch because of its real-life gameplay. In my opinion FIFA needs to take a step towards the real game, even if it means concentrating less on graphics. Here's the press release:

Chertsey, UK. - May 7, 2003 - Electronic Arts, the world's leading interactive entertainment software company, today announced that it has partnered with Erich Rutem�ller from FIFA's Technical Committee, to assist with the development of EA SPORTS FIFA Football 2004.

In line with EA's commitment to deliver the most authentic, immersive interactive football experience on any gaming platform, Rutem�ller will help ensure that the development team working on FIFA Football 2004 share in his knowledge and experience of the playing tactics and formations of the most successful and revered football clubs.

Rutem�ller is currently part of the FIFA technical committee and travels the world teaching the leading coaches the fundamentals of football (tactics, formations). He puts teams through their paces before they obtain their official FIFA coaching badge. In addition, he is also a member of the coaching staff of the German National Team and has previously managed a series of Bundesliga clubs.

"I'm excited to be given the chance to partner with EA SPORTS and share my extensive football knowledge with them to help create a truly authentic experience," said Rutem�ller.

Danny Isaac, Producer for EA SPORTS FIFA Football 2004, added, "We have continually delivered an in-depth football experience for fans who demand the finest gameplay and most accurate representation of their national and domestic football heroes. By tapping in to Mr Rutem�ller's vast wealth of knowledge in the coaching area, we will be able to deliver several new innovations due from the product this year and believe that these features will guarantee that the EA SPORTS FIFA Football game series continues to be the product number 1 choice for football fans all over the world."

Scheduled for release in late 2003, EA SPORTS FIFA Football 2004 will deliver the most complete and authentic football experience ever. A new Career mode gives you the chance to take a team from the lower divisions, battle through ranks, sign new players and turn them into champions. The action is deeper than ever with advanced levels of player detail and responsiveness. FIFA Football 2004 is the true authority in football gaming.