Buried in an announcement about sales numbers, EA announced that FIFA 11 Ultimate Team, the major online mode for the game, will be free in November.

Electronic Arts Inc. today announced the record-breaking launch of EA SPORTS FIFA 11. Based on internal estimates, FIFA 11 has shattered sales records for the title with 2.6 million copies sold through at retail in Europe and North America through Saturday, October 2. FIFA 11 is the fastest selling sports game ever and the title is off to its best start ever in markets around the world, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and North America.

EA SPORTS also announced that FIFA 11 Ultimate Team, one of the most played, dynamic and connected modes within the FIFA franchise, will now be available for free* on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this November.

That asterisk means some conditions apply and refers to the back of the pack. Remember, the mode for FIFA 10 was 400 Microsoft Points or £3.99...so free is good. I guess when they sell $150 million in games they can afford to give the gamers something.