With this being the last official FIFA release from Electronic Arts, I get the feeling that they're just kind of going "the heck with it, let's go for broke." Today, EA and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced that the fictional character of Ted Lasso and his equally fictional team, AFC Richmond, will be included in FIFA 23.
Ted Lasso is an Apple TV show that debuted in 2020. It is a sports comedy-drama that stars actor comedian Jason Sudeikis in the titular role. Lasso was a former American college football coach that was hired to coach an English football (soccer) team, AFC Richmond.
All of AFC Richmond will be represented in FIFA 23. Lasso will be the manager and you will have access to the kits, manager items, stadium, tifos, and other content. AFC Richmond's items and gear will be unlockable in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) and Pro Clubs. You can also just play as the full game in various modes like Career, Kickoff, Online Friendlies, and Online Seasons.
Jason Sudeikis’ beloved Ted Lasso will be available as a selectable manager of AFC Richmond in Career Mode, as fans can play as their favorite mustachioed manager running the show for AFC Richmond or any team of their choosing. Players can also create their own Manager or select a real-world licensed manager to take control of AFC Richmond, or create a Player and join the AFC Richmond squad in a league of their choosing.
“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.â€
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 iconic home stadium, Nelson Road, will also feature in FIFA 23.​
“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.â€
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 iconic home stadium, Nelson Road, will also feature in FIFA 23.​
FIFA 23 is out at the end of September for Xbox, PlayStation, Stadia, and PC.
“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 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.â€
