[6][7][8] CNET Gamecenter gave the PC version a favourable review, a week-and-a-half before its U.S. release date.

It's not the instant classic that some of EA's other titles are, but if you're a fan of the world's most popular sport, you'll be glued to the controller.

"[34][c] Extended Play gave the same PS2 version four stars out of five, saying, "'FIFA 2001 Major League Soccer' for the PS2 is deep, fast, and instantly playable.

[38] The PlayStation 2 version was also nominated for the "Best Sports Game (Traditional)" award, which went to NFL 2K1.

[39] During the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences' 4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the PC version won the "PC Sports" award, which it shared with Motocross Madness 2,[40] and was a finalist for "PC Game of the Year" and "Game of the Year", which ultimately lost both to Diablo II;[41] it was also a nominee for "Visual Engineering", which ultimately went to SSX.