Why did Maradona get removed from FIFA 23?

Why did Maradona get removed from FIFA 23?

Diego Maradona, the Argentine football legend, is no longer a part of FIFA 23, the latest installment in the popular soccer simulation series. The news of his removal has sparked curiosity among fans and enthusiasts alike. So, what led to his departure from the game?

EA Sports’ Disagreement with Maradona’s Family

According to reports, EA Sports, the developers of FIFA, had disagreements with Maradona’s family and representatives regarding the use of his likeness in the game. Maradona’s family, particularly his former lawyer, Matias Morla, owns the rights to his brand name, Sattvica, which has been litigating the right to use the name globally.

This dispute allegedly led to a breakdown in negotiations between EA Sports and Maradona’s family, resulting in the removal of his icon from FIFA 23.

A History of Disputes

This is not the first time EA Sports has faced issues with licensing agreements for iconic players. In the past, the company has had to deal with similar disputes with other legendary players, such as Pele, who was also removed from FIFA 23 due to licensing issues.

Other Players Removed from FIFA 23

FIFA 23 has also seen the removal of other iconic players, including Ryan Giggs, Pep Guardiola, Deco, Hidetoshi Nakata, Jay-Jay Okocha, Marc Overmars, and Filippo Inzaghi. These players, like Maradona, had their likenesses removed from the game due to licensing issues.

Why did EA Sports Remove Maradona?

EA Sports removed Maradona from FIFA 23 due to a combination of factors, including licensing disputes and the company’s decision to focus on more contemporary players. The company has stated that it will continue to work on finding new licensing agreements for iconic players, but for now, Maradona will not be featured in the game.

What about Pele?

Unlike Maradona, Pele, another iconic player, is still a part of FIFA 23. This is because Pele’s likeness is owned by his own foundation, which has a long-standing agreement with EA Sports. However, this situation highlights the complexity of licensing agreements in the gaming industry.

Table: Removed Players from FIFA 23

Player Reason for Removal
Maradona Licensing Dispute with Family
Ryan Giggs Licensing Dispute
Pep Guardiola Licensing Dispute
Deco Licensing Dispute
Hidetoshi Nakata Licensing Dispute
Jay-Jay Okocha Licensing Dispute
Marc Overmars Licensing Dispute
Filippo Inzaghi Licensing Dispute

Conclusion

The removal of Maradona from FIFA 23 is a significant development in the world of sports gaming. While the reasons behind his departure are complex and multifaceted, it is clear that licensing disputes and agreements play a significant role in the game’s development.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more changes in the licensing agreements for iconic players. For now, fans will have to wait and see if Maradona’s likeness will return to FIFA in the future.

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