EA removes 13 women from FIFA 16

NCAA rules force EA to make unfortunate move

13 women have been removed from FIFA 16 due to ridiculous NCAA rules that prohibit student-athletes from appearing in video games.

"The NCAA recently informed EA Sports that these 13 student-athletes would be risking their eligibility for collegiate athletics by being included in FIFA 16," said EA in a statement, making it clear they don't agree with National Collegiate Athletic Association.

"We do not agree with this position. All rights were secured following standard protocol with national governing bodies and federations, and none of these NCAA student-athletes or potential student athletes were to be individually compensated by EA Sports for their inclusion in the game."

The female players removed from the game include: 
  • 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

"We believe this decision denies these 13 athletes the opportunity to represent their countries in the game, but we have removed them from FIFA 16 to ensure there is no risk to their eligibility."

EA was widely commended for adding Women's National Teams to its FIFA franchise this year, so it's a bit unfortunate to see the NCAA force their removal.

Electronic Arts and the National Collegiate Athletic Association just recently reached a $60 million dollar settlement in the lawsuit over the use of student athletes' likeness in video games.