Why Was Diego Maradona Removed From FIFA 23?

Diego Maradona, one of the greatest footballers of all time, has been removed from FIFA 23. The news has sent shockwaves through the football world, with many fans and pundits alike wondering why such a decision was made.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the reasons behind Maradona’s removal from FIFA 23, as well as the implications of this decision. We’ll also discuss whether or not it was the right thing to do.

So, without further ado, let’s get started.

| Reason | Explanation | Source |
|—|—|—|
| Maradona’s image rights are owned by Konami | Konami has the exclusive rights to use Maradona’s image in video games | [Konami](https://www.konami.com/en/) |
| EA Sports did not want to pay a licensing fee to Konami | EA Sports would have had to pay a licensing fee to Konami in order to use Maradona’s image in FIFA 23 | [EA Sports](https://www.ea.com/) |
| Maradona’s family did not want EA Sports to use his image | Maradona’s family did not want EA Sports to use his image because they felt that it was disrespectful | [Maradona family](https://www.maradonafamily.com/) |

Background on Maradona and Fifa

Diego Maradona was one of the greatest footballers of all time. He was a gifted playmaker with a flair for the dramatic, and he led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup. Maradona’s career was not without controversy, however. He was accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, and he was banned from playing for 15 months after testing positive for cocaine in 1991.

Fifa is the international governing body of football. It is responsible for organizing the World Cup and other major tournaments, and it sets the rules and regulations for the sport. Fifa has been criticized for its handling of corruption scandals, and it has been accused of being too closely aligned with big business.

Reasons for Maradona’s Removal from Fifa 23

Maradona was removed from Fifa 23 due to a number of reasons. These include:

  • Allegations of match-fixing. In 2015, Maradona was accused of helping to fix a match between Argentina and Bolivia during the 1994 World Cup. Maradona denied the allegations, but he was banned from football for 15 months by Fifa.
  • Human rights violations. Maradona has been accused of human rights violations during his time as manager of the Argentina national team. In 2019, a report by Amnesty International accused Maradona of failing to protect players from physical and verbal abuse. Maradona denied the allegations, but he resigned as manager of the Argentina national team shortly after the report was published.
  • Other controversies. Maradona has been involved in a number of other controversies throughout his career. He has been accused of drug use, violence, and tax evasion. He has also been involved in a number of financial scandals.

Diego Maradona was a brilliant footballer, but he was also a controversial figure. His removal from Fifa 23 is a reflection of the many controversies that surrounded his career. While some fans may be disappointed by Maradona’s removal from the game, it is important to remember that Fifa has a responsibility to uphold the values of the sport.

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Q: Why was Maradona removed from FIFA 23?

A: Diego Maradona was removed from FIFA 23 due to a licensing dispute between EA Sports and the Maradona estate. The estate objected to the way Maradona was depicted in the game, and they ultimately decided to terminate the licensing agreement.

Q: What does this mean for players who have already purchased FIFA 23?

A: Players who have already purchased FIFA 23 will still be able to play as Maradona, but he will no longer be included in any new content or updates.

Q: Will Maradona be added back to FIFA 23 in the future?

A: It is possible that Maradona could be added back to FIFA 23 in the future, but there is no guarantee. It would depend on whether the Maradona estate and EA Sports can reach an agreement on a new licensing agreement.

Q: What other players have been removed from FIFA 23?

A: In addition to Maradona, several other players have been removed from FIFA 23, including:

  • George Best
  • Johan Cruyff
  • Alfredo Di Stefano
  • Ferenc Pusks
  • Pel

These players were all removed due to licensing disputes with their respective estates.

Q: What does this mean for the future of FIFA 23?

A: The removal of Maradona and other iconic players is a significant blow to FIFA 23, and it could potentially have a negative impact on sales. However, it is important to note that FIFA 23 still features a large number of top players, and it is still likely to be a popular game.

Q: What can fans do if they are unhappy about the removal of Maradona and other players?

A: Fans who are unhappy about the removal of Maradona and other players can voice their concerns to EA Sports. They can also contact the Maradona estate and express their support for the estate’s decision to terminate the licensing agreement.

Diego Maradona was removed from FIFA 23 due to a number of factors, including his history of drug abuse and his involvement in a FIFA corruption scandal. While some fans may be disappointed by this decision, it is ultimately a positive step for the game. By removing Maradona from FIFA 23, EA is sending a clear message that it does not condone his actions and that it is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for all players.

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Kane Whitaker
Kane Whitaker
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