In light of global events, EA Sports decided to remove Russian teams from FIFA 23 set to release this September. In the grand scheme of things, it may not appear to be a huge move, but it is one that carries some weight in the gaming world and is part of an ongoing move to punish Russia for its aggressive invasion of Ukraine.
FIFA is the flagship title for EA Sports, and having sold over 320 million copies; it is recognized as the biggest-selling video game in the world, leading to revenue far in excess of what you might hope to win at Hyperino online casino. The move is in line with the actions of the world governing body of the game, after which the game is named.
Russian teams excluded from FIFA 23
Russia was expelled from the World Cup, and their teams have been banned from continental competitions. Therefore, the actions of EA are in line with the treatment handed out by FIFA and UEFA. In March, EA stopped sales of the game in Russia and Belarus, as well as their virtual currency bundles, and retrospectively removed them from FIFA 22. This led to Russian and Belarussian teams being pulled from the esports leagues, and by all accounts, Russia is attempting to make its own game engine with the help of key figures in the IT field in Russia, including the country’s Facebook alternative, VK.
EA released a statement in relation to their decision;
“EA Sports stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and, like so many voices across the world of football, calls for peace and an end to the invasion of Ukraine. In line with our partners at FIFA and UEFA, EA Sports will not include the Russian national team or Russian clubs in FIFA 23.”
This move from EA is very much in line with the industry as a whole with the likes of Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony, Epic Games, and many others have halted sales in the country. As one can imagine, such responses will continue for as long as Russia continues to occupy even one square inch of sovereign Ukrainian territory.
FIFA 23 is the final game of EA’s 20-year partnership with FIFA. Future soccer titles will release under a new name, EA Sports FC. This comes as EA ended its agreement with FIFA, the latter of whom is said to be looking to take its brand to another company.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has made it clear that he is keen to retain ties with gamers and is enthusiastic about any future partnerships.
“I can assure you that the only authentic, real game that has the FIFA name will be the best one available for gamers and football fans,” Infantino said in a statement.
“The FIFA name is the only global, original title. FIFA 23, FIFA 24, FIFA 25, and FIFA 26, and so on – the constant is the FIFA name, and it will remain forever and remain THE BEST.”
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