EA SPORTS had already announced at the beginning of March to remove the Russian teams from FIFA 22 – more than one month later they are still playable.
For days in late February, FIFA fans had wondered how the developer would react to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. EA SPORTS first spoke out on 2 March, announcing its intention to remove all Russian teams – national team and clubs alike – from FIFA 22.
More than a month later, this endeavour is still a long time coming. Both the “Sbornaja” and the Moscow clubs ZSKA, Lokomotive and Spartak are still playable in kick-off mode – with and without live form. Possibilities for the update existed: Gameplay fixes and adjustments had been made by EA SPORTS in recent weeks.
Three major updates since announcement
Three major patches have been presented since 2 March with Title Update 7, Live Tuning Update 4 and Title Update 8. None included corresponding changes.
In response to a kicker eSport enquiry on 2 March, EA SPORTS referred to the statement published a few hours later. Since then, however, nothing more than this initial declaration of intent has happened in terms of public perception.
Gazprom logo continues on Schalke jerseys
Beyond the exclusion of Russian teams, the developer had announced at the time that it would also “consider related changes for other areas of the game”. Most fans interpreted the issue of the Gazprom logo on the FC Schalke 04 jerseys in this loosely formulated direction.
There is no news here either: The emblem of the former main sponsor of the “Knappen” continues to be emblazoned on the royal blue chest in the game. EA SPORTS remained consistent in eSports: Russian players and teams were excluded from the FIFA 22 Global Series (FGS), currently the Bochum-based ‘Snakez’ benefits from this.
EA lacks necessary transparency
Solidarity with Ukraine had been communicated by EA SPORTS on 2 March. Whether the removal of Russian teams from FIFA 22 is the effective approach can be discussed. The selected and announced measures have not been implemented after more than a month.
The ideas were there, the deeds are – at least in this respect – not to be seen so far. EA SPORTS did not state the reason for the exclusion, which has not yet taken place.
“We keep our community informed about all actions taken,” the developer let it be known. A public announcement on the status of this process, which has not yet been completed, is still pending.
