By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
EA SPORTS has scored a major win, signing on the beloved fictional coach Ted Lasso and his team AFC Richmond for FIFA 23.
While there are many brilliant collaborations out there, sometimes you run across one that just seems so natural, it’s as if it’s meant to be.
And that’s the early reaction to the Ted Lasso x FIFA 23 collaboration; a partnership that’s appealing both to fans of football and fans of great comedy.
Electronic Arts announced the arrival of AFC Richmond to EA SPORTS FIFA 23 on Wednesday, with fans able to authentically take control of their favorite club across multiple game modes including Career Mode, Kickoff, Online Friendlies, and Online Seasons.
A number of AFC Richmond items from the show – including kits, tifos, manager items, and other content – will also be available to unlock across FIFA Ultimate Team(FUT) and Pro Clubs where applicable.
“I am truly fortunate, and deeply grateful, to have had many special moments in my career thus far, and I consider this experience among the best of them,” said Emmy Award-winner Jason Sudeikis. “As long-time fans of EA SPORTS FIFA, having Ted Lasso and the whole AFC Richmond squad incorporated into the newest version of the game is truly a dream come true for myself and the rest of the fellas.
“Our cast and crew work tremendously hard on this show, and we are flattered that it resonates with so many folks. We look forward to our fans having the opportunity to play with, play as, and even play against their favorite AFC Richmond characters.”
Fans will also be able to play as AFC Richmond as part of the Rest of The World league in Kick Off, Online Friendlies and Online Seasons with Roy Kent, Jamie Tartt, Sam Obisanya, and Dani Rojas all featuring as part of the Greyhounds’ squad.
AFC Richmond’s now legendary home stadium, Nelson Road, will also feature in FIFA 23.
EA says collaborating with the team at Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to bring AFC Richmond to life in-game is an example of how EA SPORTS continues to blur the lines between gaming, entertainment, and the real world of football.
“In a short time and with limited prior experience, Ted Lasso has become a cultural phenomenon, bringing the passion of football and the power of belief to life for millions of fans across the globe,” said David Jackson, VP of Brand for EA SPORTS FIFA. “We’re thrilled to welcome both Ted and AFC Richmond to FIFA 23.”
Related content in FUT and Pro Clubs will be available through objectives, challenges, and rewards, designed to be attainable by all players from launch. This includes Ted Lasso and Coach Beard manager items, AFC Richmond kits and other FUT club and stadium vanity items including badges, flags and more, in addition to Nelson Road Stadium being included in Pro Clubs.
“It is so f***ing cool to be in FIFA. I’m not sure this is going to help dispel the CGI rumours but f*** it, totally worth it,” said Emmy Award-winner Brett Goldstein, who plays foul-mouthed but soft-hearted AFC Richmond player Roy Kent. “I look forward to beating my nephew in a game with me as Roy Kent and him as Jamie Tartt. He’s gonna be furious.”
FIFA 23 is developed by EA Vancouver and EA Romania and will be available worldwide on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Stadia, PS4, and Xbox One on Sept. 30.
Early access for FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition begins on Sept. 27, 2022.