Football association FIFA has said that it wants to have multiple licensing partners within the games space.

In a post on its website, the organisation said that it is on the hunt for other companies which it can collaborate within the industry. Until now, FIFA has exclusively been partnered with Electronic Arts for its games business.

The football association says that it wants to make the most of the opportunity laid out by both video games and esports, which it points out are the fastest growing businesses out there.

"FIFA is bullish and excited about the future in gaming and eSports for football, and it is clear that this needs to be a space that is occupied by more than one party controlling all rights," the organisation wrote.

"Technology and mobile companies are now actively competing to be associated with FIFA, its platforms, and global tournaments.

"Consequently, FIFA is engaging with various industry players, including developers, investors and analysts, to build out a long-term view of the gaming, eSports and interactive entertainment sector.

"The outcome will ensure that FIFA has a range of suitable parties with specialist capabilities to actively shape the best possible experiences and offerings for fans and consumers."

News that all might not be well with EA and FIFA's licensing partnership was hinted at when Electronic Arts said that it was considering renaming the football franchise. The New York Times has also reported that FIFA is demanding EA double its licensing payments, something that could clock in north of $1 billion every four years.