EA Sports says they are currently investigating allegations that one of its employees has been selling extremely rare Ultimate Team Icon cards for cash in a scandal labelled #EAGate on social media.
#EAGate has been trending on Twitter in the past 24 hours after the serious allegations emerged.
It began when leaked direct messages claimed to show a conversation between an alleged EA Sports employee selling FUT cards for real cash. In fact, screenshots show that these sales would cost €750-€1000.
Twitter user @FutArcade posted the alleged screenshots on social media, where it appears the employee is offering to use the customer's PlayStation or EA ID to directly add packs to their in-game account.
#EAGATE
- Arcade-Fut (@FutArcade) March 10, 2021
A special thanks to @RiberaRibell for the picture , he did an amazing work:heart:
(continue in the comments)#fut #fifa pic.twitter.com/bJIg2rpWtI
As you can see from the leaked messages above, the alleged EA employee explains to the customer that players are paying thousands of dollars to list valuable Icon Moment cards like Ruud Gullit and Ronaldo on the transfer market.
FIFA 21 streamer @Nick28T posted further screenshots and even 'video proof' that could suggest an EA employee is selling FUT cards for real cash.
So we grind/trade/open packs and can't touch these PIM players but EA employees sell them to people secretly for $1,700?!?! LOL I respect the grind but my god... pic.twitter.com/CCnhjZbcgH
- Nick :flag_ca: (@Nick28T) March 10, 2021
Video proof?!? I mean this could just be an EA Dev though or an actual employee? Who knows anymore. It's all allegations, let's just hope EA makes a statement on this and stays honest with us. #FUT21 #FIFA21 pic.twitter.com/lzqGMDE5S3
- Nick :flag_ca: (@Nick28T) March 10, 2021
Of course, it must be noted at this stage that nothing has been proved, although those behind the scenes at EA Sports have confirmed that a "thorough" investigation is already underway in relation to the incident.
EA Sports released the following statement earlier following the online allegations.
"We are aware of the allegations currently circulating within our community related to FIFA21 Ultimate Team items.
"A thorough investigation is underway, and if we identify improper conduct, we will take swift action.
"We want to be clear - this type of behavior is unacceptable, and we in no way condone what is alleged to have happened here. We understand how this creates concern about unfair balance in the game and competition.
"We will update the community as we get more clarity on the situation."
- EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) March 10, 2021
Here's how the FIFA community have reacted to the allegations on social media.
Outcome will be this.
- NepentheZ (@NepentheZ) March 10, 2021
It's 1 guy at EA doing something he shouldn't, by selling Icons and TOTY's to people for money.
Problem is, however, that's it's just a massive kick in the balls to literally everyone else. FUT players, EA Employees and all encompassed.
I know social media is going to have a field day with the memes and jokes, but ultimately it exposes a huge fucking problem with FUT at the moment, to the fact EA employees are (allegedly) having to SELL Icons for people to have a chance of using them. Needs changing.
- NepentheZ (@NepentheZ) March 10, 2021
It's crazy that £700 or £1000 is considered a 'fair' price for a couple virtual cards you only use for 12 months max. The game itself retails at £60.
- Aidan Stephenson (@MelvinS7ven) March 10, 2021
This should be what people should be most pissed about. That kind of money being normalised in a 3+ game. #EAGate
#EAGATE people online are accusing EA employees working for #FIFA21 of selling PIM players on black market for $1,700! #DramaAlert pic.twitter.com/j5g6Ly5HGX
- KEEM (@KEEMSTAR) March 11, 2021
1 FREE MOMENTS ICON FOR EVERYONE. :smiley:
- Castro1021 (@Castro1021) March 10, 2021
The fact that there is a BLACK MARKET in the first place is obviously a huge problem, make these icons accessible! If you've got 15 million and can't buy them then these shady things are going to happen... @EAFIFADirect
- Tom Stokes (@StokesFIFA) March 10, 2021
Let us know your thoughts on the allegations in the comments below.
Featured Image Credit: EA Sports/PA
Topics: gaming news, Football, EA Sports, FIFA 21, Ultimate Team
- 50 Funny FIFA 23 Club Names For Ultimate Team And Pro Clubs
- FIFA 21 Players Think EA Sports Have Started To Secretly 'Nerf' Ultimate Team Cards
- Shamed Former Ajax Director Of Football Marc Overmars 'Suspended' From FIFA 22 Ultimate Team After 'Inappropriate Messages'
- The Incredible Figures Behind EA Sports' Net Revenue From Ultimate Team
.png)
