Microsoft pulled a fast one on Sony by securing the exclusive rights to Pro Evolution Soccer 6 from Konami and FIFA Pro Football 7 from EA for 2007. This means that pretty much the only 2 football/soccer titles that actually matter will be exclusive to the Xbox 360 in 2007, a crucial year for Sony with the launch of the PS3. Though this is but a blip on the radar in the US, this could very well hurt Sony (as if they aren’t doing enough to hurt themselves) in the EURO and Japanese markets, as football is undeniably the most popular sport throughout the world and both franchises were big sellers for the PS2 in the past. Both titles will be released Fall 2006 for the Xbox 360.

Update 1: According to the producer of PES, Microsoft only has PES6 exclusively because of the lack of development time to get it onto PS3, not because of any cash agreement with Microsoft. Seems MS were putting a spit and polish in their ‘exclusivity’ announcement.

Read more: Microsoft secures 12 months exclusive rights to Pro Evolution Soccer and FIFA