Kylian Mbappe’s absence from the cover of the upcoming EA FC 24 has reportedly been explained.
EA FC 24 is the first EA Sports football video game in 30 years to not have the FIFA branding.
Paris Saint Germain star Mbappe has been the cover star for FIFA 23, FIFA 22 and FIFA 21.
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However, the Frenchman was replaced for EA FC 24 as Manchester City striker Erling Haaland got the nod instead.
According to French news outlet Le Parisien, EA’s decision not to renew Mbappe’s deal was due to PSG.
It has been claimed that PSG were asked to put forward a list of players that they would be keen to see in the official EA FC 24 marketing material.
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The Parc des Princes club listed players such as Lee Kang In, Marco Asensio and Marquinhos but did not include Mbappe.
As a result, the Frenchman will not be on the cover of the much-anticipated game.
It is believed that Brazilian star Neymar was also left out of the list by the French Ligue 1 champions.
According to the report, EA had not ‘blacklisted’ Mbappe, but has simply decided not to put the 24-year-old in marketing material at the ‘request of the club’.
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One of the reasons behind PSG not putting Mbappe’s name forward could be the fact that his future with the club remains uncertain.
Over the last few weeks, there have been various reports about the Frenchman’s future, with some claiming he is ready to quit PSG for Real Madrid next summer.
As a result, PSG could be ready to sell their star striker this summer in a bid to prevent him leaving for absolutely nothing when his contract expires next summer.
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To date, Saudi Professional League side Al Hilal have had a huge offer of £260 million for Mbappe accepted by PSG.
It has been claimed that the Saudi Arabian club are ready to offer Mabppe a world record one-year contract worth a reported €700 million.
The one-year deal would allow Mbappe to either extend with Al Hilal next summer or move to Spanish La Liga giants Madrid.
Marcus Chan