FIFA 16 has unexpectedly lost 13 players that were to be included in the game because of a dispute with the NCAA. These 13 players either are or will be attending schools in the US sanctioned by the NCAA. EA have revealed that the NCAA have determined that the inclusion of these players in the game could pose a potential threat to their eligibility.
EA commenting on the situation said that “We do not agree with this position,”. They believed that all of the rights for these players were secured appropriately and approved by the respective national bodies and federations. EA also pointed out that these players would not receive any compensation for their appearance in the game, negating that issue entirely.
EA strongly disagree with the stance taken by the NCAA, stating “We believe this decision denies these 13 athletes the opportunity to represent their countries in the game,”. However they have pulled the 13 players from the game in order to not jeopardize their eligibility in NCAA competition. The 13 players affected by this are:
- Kadeisha Buchanan, Canada
- Jessie Fleming, Canada
- Ashley Lawrence, Canada
- Janine Beckie, Canada
- Rebecca Quinn, Canada
- Sura Yekka, Canada
- Celia Jiménez, Spain
- Tanya Samarzich, Mexico
- Greta Espinoza, Mexico
- Christina Murillo, Mexico
- Amanda Perez, Mexico
- Emily Alvarado, Mexico
- Maria Sanchez, Mexico