Electronic Arts’ popular FIFA franchise usually features players and managers from real-life teams, but this year EA is making an exception: Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond are joining the game.

Of course, Lasso (played by show creator and executive producer Jason Sudeikis) and AFC Richmond are fictional, pulled from Apple TV Plus’ Emmy-winning comedy, Ted Lasso. But that doesn’t mean Lasso, Coach Beard, Roy Kent, Jamie Tartt, Dani Rojas, Sam Obisanya and more won’t be fun to throw into matches.

“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 Sudeikis, who was named best actor in a comedy for the second time at this year’s Primetime Emmys on September 12. “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.”

“It is so f***ing cool to be in FIFA.I’m not sure this is going to help dispel the CGI rumors but f*** it, totally worth it,” said Brett Goldstein, who plays AFC Richmond’s star-player-turned-assistant-coach Roy Kent and also won his second Primetime Emmy on September 12. “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.”

Fans will be able to take control of the club across multiple game modes, including career mode, kickoff, online friendlies and online seasons. There will also be AFC Richmond-branded items for players to unlock across the game, including kits, tifos, manager items and other content. And they can play in Richmond’s home stadium – Nelson Road.

Players can select Lasso as manager in career mode, and he can run AFC Richmond or any team of their choosing. Conversely, they can also select a real-world licensed manager to run AFC Richmond.

EA Sports collaborated with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to add Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond to FIFA 23.

“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, vice president of brand for EA Sports FIFA.

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 September 30. Early access for FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition begins on September 27 .

READ MORE: PC Gamer, The Verge

Tags: ea sports fifa 23 ted lasso


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