With only 5 days before the North American release of FIFA 16, EA was forced to drop 13 female players. Due to the NCAA’s amateurism rules, student athletes may not take part in paid athletics, play with pros, or sign professional contracts (among many things). Therefore, their presence in FIFA 16 could jeopardize their eligibility in NCAA-sanctioned schools in the US.
EA disagrees with the NCAA’s rules and has stressed that they have taken the proper channels for reserving rights in the matter. Furthermore, the opportunity to appear in the large franchise that is FIFA would give a great boost to the players’ future. Although EA disagrees with the NCAA’s stance on the matter, they have removed the players so that their eligibility for school is not jeopardized.
The NCAA‘s rules exist so that student athletes can continue to focus on education and their quality of education, rather than diving into the professional pool while playing for a college team at the same time.
This is situation where both sides seem justified in their logic. What do you think? Let me know in the comments!
