I think it should be clarified that the PS2 version is not 8 players online. I mean the PS2 could barely handle 2 players online - we've heard a snippet of news and the internet has ran with it, but we havent heard any actual confirmation or reviews or any hard fact.
This rumour is actually in relation to the PS3 edition - where I have read direct news about it. Basically we can have an online ID and our own position and player and say I'm a striker and do really well for my team, I might attract some attention from rival teams who want me to play up front for them.
Would like some clarification on this feature. There is no way the PS2 version online will surpass the X360 version, no way in hell!!!!