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Russia's National Team And Clubs To Be Removed From FIFA 22 By EA Sports

Russia's National Team And Clubs To Be Removed From FIFA 22 By EA Sports

The move comes in the wake of Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan

EA Sports is in the process of removing Russia's national team and clubs from FIFA 22 in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale military attack on Ukraine on Thursday, with fierce battles now raging in cities across the country.

FIFA and UEFA acted in unison on Monday to suspend Russia's national teams and clubs from international competition until further notice.

EA Sports has now begun the process of removing Russian teams from its products.

A statement released by the developer on Wednesday read: “EA Sports stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and like so many voices across the world of football, calls for peace and an end to the invasion of Ukraine.

“In line with our partners at FIFA and UEFA, EA Sports has initiated process to remove the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from EA Sports FIFA products including: FIFA 22, FIFA Mobile and FIFA Online.

“We’re also actively evaluating related changes to other areas of our games.

“We will keep our communities up to date on any actions taken, and thank players for their patience as we work through these updates.”

Russia's suspension from international football means will the men's national side will not be able to face Poland in a World Cup play-off semi-final next month, while its women's team will also be barred from competing in Euro 2022 in England. 

Russia's only remaining side in European competition this season, Spartak Moscow, has also been banned from competing in the Europa League.

Russia's national team and clubs are set to be removed from FIFA 22 (Image: PA)
Russia's national team and clubs are set to be removed from FIFA 22 (Image: PA)

Meanwhile, EA Sports has also announced plans to remove both Russian and Belarusian teams from another of its flagship games, NHL 22.

It comes after the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) banned the two nations from its competitions until further notice.

A statement released by EA Sports read: “Following the IIHF’s suspension of all Russian and Belarusian national and club teams from IIHF competitions, we will be removing these teams from NHL 22 within the coming weeks.

 “We stand with the people of Ukraine and join the voices around the world calling for peace.”

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: FIFA 22, FIFA, Russia, Zenit, Ukraine

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

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