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FIFA cut three-decade-long association with EA Sports

After the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, EA's deal with FIFA was set to expire, but the video game publisher was looking to prolong it.

After nearly three decades of collaboration, EA Sports has ended its relationship with FIFA, the international football governing body.

FIFA, a football video game developed by EA Sports (EA Sports is a division of Electronic Arts that develops and publishes sports video games), has been one of the most popular digital sports games. Millions of enthusiasts have gravitated toward the popular video game, which has generated billions of dollars in 51 countries.

EA Sports had made FIFA a ‘substantial offer’ of an eight-year contractual period covering the whole of FIFA’s gaming and e-sports rights, but the world football governing body was reluctant to tie up all its gaming and e-sports rights only with one publisher. After the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, EA’s deal with FIFA was set to expire, but the video game publisher was looking to prolong it.

FIFA also announced that EA has been granted a fresh short-term extension to produce a new “FIFA 23” edition sometime this year. After the release of FIFA 23, FIFA would debut a fresh football video game created by an independent company and distributors.

“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,” stated Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President.

FIFA was looking for at least twice the $150 million it gets from EA Sports every year.

Furthermore, in 2023, EA intends to launch a redesigned iteration of the iconic football game. The game titled EA Sports FC would keep the majority of its licensing partners, such as the Premier League (PL), LaLiga, and UEFA, the European football association as they are independent leagues and do not fall under the jurisdiction of FIFA.

“EA Sports is a long-term and valued partner of the Premier League, and we look forward to continuing to work together in the new era,” stated, Richard Masters, the Chief Executive of the Premier League.

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