FIFA, EA’s licensed football simulation series, is perhaps one of the most well-known in the sports game genre, hence it receives more scrutiny than most others.EA Sports has just taken some significant decisions in the face of this scrutiny.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, FIFA banned Russian teams from all international soccer on Monday. Russian national and club teams have been barred from participating in FIFA and UEFA events, including 2022 World Cup qualifying matches, “until further notice.”
“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 has initiated the processes to remove the Russian national team and all Russian Clubs from EA Sports FIFA products including: FIFA 22, FIFA Mobile and FIFA Online. We’re also actively evaluating related changes to other areas of our games.
“We will keep our communities up to date on any actions taken, and thank players for their patience as we work through these updates.”
EA has declared that the Russian national team and Russian football clubs would be removed from its FIFA games in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing turmoil in the region. FIFA 22, FIFA Mobile, and FIFA Online are all included. The decision was made to be in accordance with its partners, FIFA and UEFA, and their respective viewpoints, according to the corporation.
Even if EA and FIFA have had their differences in recent years, it is understandable that, given the importance of the situation, they are coordinating their positions at this time.
A statement from EA SPORTS FIFA: pic.twitter.com/v3pZvpblgS
— EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) March 2, 2022
EA Sports also announced on Wednesday that it will remove Russian and Belarusian teams from its “NHL 22” game “in the coming weeks.”
A statement from EA SPORTS NHL: pic.twitter.com/2uX4h55ok4
— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) March 2, 2022
On Monday, the International Ice Hockey Federation declared that Russia and Belarus will be barred from participating in international events. It also stripped Russia of the right to host the IIHF World Junior Championship in 2023.