Electronic arts there is announcements that it is in the process of removing both the Russian national teams and the country’s professional clubs from some of its biggest sports games.
This will include NHL 22, FIFA 22, FIFA Onlineand FIFA Mobile; it is not clear when the teams will be withdrawn from the game, but the publisher says he has “initiated proceedings” to remove them. EA says the decision was made “in line with our FIFA and UEFA partners” as well as the IIHF. These governing bodies – which govern global and European football and international hockey, respectively – recently banned Russian teams from all competitions “until further notice.” Apart from the Russian teams, NHL 22 it will also eliminate Belarusian clubs. The decision does not seem to affect the presence of Russian players in either sport.
“EA Sports stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and, like many other voices in the football world, calls for peace and an end to the invasion of Ukraine,” the company said in a statement. In addition to eliminating teams, EA says it is “actively assessing related changes in other areas of our games.” EA joins other technology companies, including Apple, Facebook and YouTube, in changing or eliminating their services in connection with the Russian invasion.
This is not the first time EA has changed its sports games due to real-world events. In 2020, he was forced to change the offensive name of Washington’s current commanders Maddenand last year removed Las Vegas Raiders coach John Gruden from the game following an email scandal.