FIFA 16: Why EA Sports are removing 13 women footy stars from its lineup

FIFA 16 will see 13 women players removed from the roster

EA Sports have revealed that they plan to remove 13 players from the all-new women's national team rosters in FIFA 16.

 

The move comes after it was revealed their inclusion in a video game could threaten their eligibility in the NCAA, The National Collegiate Athletic Association, a non-profit association which regulates athletes of 1,281 institutions; conferences; organizations; and individuals.

A statement from EA Sports confirms that it was informed by the NCAA of the situation, which would see their appearance in the game risk their eligibility, with six players included from Canada, six from Mexico and one from Spain.

EA Sports added that they are compiling with the ruling that will avoid the risk of damaging the players' collegiate careers.

The statement from EA Sports in full, reads: "In EA SPORTS FIFA 16, fans can now play with 12 Women’s National Teams for the first time in franchise history.

"It’s a huge achievement for our franchise and our players, and the feedback on their inclusion in game has been overwhelmingly positive through our demo. Today, with EA Access Play it First Trials, players now have the chance to play with all 12 teams for the first time.

"We wanted to ensure all FIFA fans are updated on the final players and rosters. Of the hundreds of players on these rosters, 13 are currently attending or likely to attend NCAA-sanctioned schools in the U.S.

 

"The NCAA recently informed EA SPORTS that these 13 student-athletes would be risking their eligibility for collegiate athletics by being included in FIFA 16.

"We do not agree with this position.  All rights were secured following standard protocol with national governing bodies and federations, and none of these NCAA student-athletes or potential student athletes were to be individually compensated by EA SPORTS for their inclusion in the game. 

"We believe this decision denies these 13 athletes the opportunity to represent their countries in the game, but we have removed them from FIFA 16 to ensure there is no risk to their eligibility."