sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

FIFPro And EA Sports Respond To Zlatan Ibrahimovic And Mino Raiola's FIFA 21 Claims

FIFPro And EA Sports Respond To Zlatan Ibrahimovic And Mino Raiola's FIFA 21 Claims

Ibrahimovic recently called out EA Sports and FIFPro on Twitter in relation to his likeness being used in the video game.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

FIFPro and EA Sports have released statements addressing Zlatan Ibrahimovic's recent claims over the usage of his likeness in FIFA 21.

Ibrahimovic called out both FIFPro and EA Sports earlier this week, alleging 'other parties' have been making money off his name and face.

Agent Mino Raiola then got involved on Thursday, telling The Telegraph 300 other players are ready to get involved.

But FIFPro told The Mirror in a firm statement: "In light of recent media reports, FIFPro wishes to clarify the manner in which it obtains the image rights of players, and its role in defending the employment rights of professional footballers worldwide.

Image
PA

"FIFPro, a not-for-profit organisation, acquires image rights via player unions in nearly 60 countries. These rights are made available to Electronic Arts and other clients in the video gaming industry.

"FIFPro's relationship with the video gaming companies complements separate arrangements they directly agree with clubs, leagues, governing bodies and individual players.

"FIFPro member unions decide how best to use the revenue generated, either by distributing funds directly among players or providing services in kind such as legal advice, second-career planning and mental and physical assistance.

"FIFPro is reaching out to the players and their representation that have recently raised concerns so we can address their questions.

Image
PA

"As the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacts the football industry, we are proud of our member unions for having supported tens of thousands of footballers around the world."

Game publisher EA Sports also responded and touched upon one of Raiola's other clients, Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland, who features heavily in the marketing campaign for FIFA 21.

"Mino Raiola is a respected player representative who we have partnered with for many years, including this year when our relationship ensured his client Erling Haaland would be part of our FIFA 21 marketing campaign.

"We have also enjoyed a great working relationship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has appeared in every FIFA since 2002 and regularly received awards as part of our FUT experience."


They go on to address Tottenham Hotspur forward Gareth Bale, who voiced concern alongside Ibrahimovic.

EA Sports believe Bale's eSports team 'Company Elleven' use FIFA as a 'key platform' and want to keep that relationship.

"Gareth Bale's eSports Company Elleven utilises our FIFA game as a key platform for his professional eSports athletes and we're confident Gareth and his team see significant value in our partnership, as evidenced through this recently released content."

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Football News, Football, FIFA, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, EA, EA Sports, Mino Raiola, FIFA 21