FIFA and EA Sports are Splitting Up Over Licensing Dispute

By Sam Mangioni - News Published: 27 Oct 2021, Last Updated: 20 Jul 2022

FIFA has reportedly cut up its licensing contract with EA Sports, according to The New York Times. The news has sent shockwaves through the esports community and will undoubtedly leave a power vacuum in share houses across the globe. If FIFA gaming is no more, how else will mates determine the social hierarchy of their friendship group?

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Image: EA Sports

Negotiations came to a halt after the governing body requested the gaming company increase its licensing fee fromUSD$150 million per year to USD$1 billion every four years. After failing to accept FIFA’s new terms, EA Sports registered a trademark for “EA Sports F.C.”, which will replace the FIFA partnership should the contract be terminated.

Releasing a statement this week, the president and general manager of EA Sports, Cam Weber, hinted that the FIFA partnership would be axed. “As we look ahead, we’re also exploring the idea of renaming our global EA SPORTS football games,” said Weber. “This means we’re reviewing our naming rights agreement with FIFA, which is separate from all our other official partnerships and licenses across the football world.”

FIFA replied to Weber’s comments, claiming they are optimistic about its future health in the gaming space. “FIFA is bullish and optimistic about its long-term future in gaming and esports following a comprehensive and strategic assessment of the gaming and interactive entertainment market,” the company said.

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Sam Mangioni

Sam Mangioni is an experienced content producer and the current Entertainment, Culture & Lifestyle Journalist for Man of Many. With an extensive background in digital content production and news, Sam specialises in delivering timely, accurate and witty assessments of current events. Prior to working for Man of Many, Sam spent three years at Southern Cross Austereo where he served as a Content Producer and News Reporter for the flagship Triple M Breakfast Program. The Sydney-based reporter completed a Bachelor of Commerce from Macquarie University Majoring in Marketing in 2014. Sam's work has also featured in Fight News Australia.

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