In a move which may come as a relief to England fans, FIFA 17 will not include the Iceland national team apparently due to a row over money.
The BBC reports that Iceland isn’t in the game because it’s football association turned down an offer of $15,000 (around £11,000) by EA, the developers who make the game, for the use of trademarks and image rights.
The KSI didn’t think it was enough and negotiated a counter offer which was in turn rejected by EA.
Iceland captured the hearts of the footballing world after they famously knocked England out of this summers’ Euro’s in France, in what was the team’s best tournament run in recent memory. Unfortunately that seemingly hasn’t boosted Iceland’s value when it comes to licensing, at least not in EA’s eyes.
“They are the ones buying these rights and they almost want it for free,” KSI president Geir Thorsteinsson is quoted as saying.
“The performance at the Euros show that we are quite a good team and many would like to play with our team. It’s sad for the players – but the criticism should be towards EA Sports.”
“I really feel if we are giving away rights, or offering rights, it has to be proper negotiations and fair fees.” added Thorsteinsson.
“I didn’t feel that this was done in a fair and open manner.“
A few British based Icelandic players will still feature in the game though including the likes of:-
Ragnar Sigurdsson – Fulham
Hordur Magnusson – Bristol City
Johann Berg Gudmundsson – Burnley
Gylfi Sigurdsson – Swansea
Jon Bodvarsson – Wolves
A total of 47 national teams are a part of the game, but Iceland despite being ranked 27th in the world won’t be one of them. What do you make of Iceland’s exclusion? Please let us know in the comments.
