Ryan Smart
EA have banned specific formations ahead of EA FC 24 pro tournaments beginning later this year, a pro player has claimed.
Pro tournaments have existed since the mid-2000s in some form, with players able to qualify for a special FIFA event each year by reaching the top of the rankings in the online Seasons mode.
These days, tournaments have ramped up, with Ultimate Team and FUT Champions now used to determine which players get invited to prestigious tournaments.
The money on offer has dramatically increased in recent years too. For last season's FIFAe World Finals, a prize of $300,000 was handed to the winners.
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For the ePremier League, meanwhile, a prize pot of £100,000 was involved, with first place taking home £30,000.
That means pro tournaments are big business, with each gamer doing whatever they can in order to secure the all-important victory, whether as an individual or as part of a team.
There has been criticism, however, about the use of back three and five formations in tournaments, perceived as ultra-defensive and negative by other players.
And according to pro player Ollelito, EA have taken action ahead of EA FC 24 officially being released worldwide on Friday - though the changes are only applicable to pro tournaments.
He posted on X (Twitter): "EA decided to ban all 3 and 5 back formations for the upcoming tournaments. Biggest dub in a long time!"
There are nine formations listed, including the previously popular 3-5-2 which was one of the most overpowered setups in the game back in the old days of FIFA.
Pro gamers seemingly can't line up with five defenders either, meaning the only option is to line up with a four-at-the-back formation instead.
The reported decision has gone down well with pro gamers, although some may argue that given the growth of five-defender formations in real life, they would prefer to use them in-game.
SPORTbible has contacted EA SPORTS for comment.