Video game creator EA Sports and global football organisation, Fifa, have blown the full-time whistle on their partnership after almost three decades. Fifa — the game, not the governing body — will bear the name EA Sports FC from 2023 onwards.
It comes as no surprise as EA mentioned in a blog post in October 2021 that it was “exploring the idea of renaming our global EA Sports football games.” And, according to industry reports, Fifa wanted more than double the amount it was currently receiving from the series’ licence — demanding a cool $1 billion every four years — which likely forced their hand on choosing not to renew it.
Considering EA Sports does a majority of the legwork in creating the game, it does seem like an enormous amount of money just to use a logo and be associated with Fifa.
What to expect from 'EA Sports FC'
Despite the end of the deal, EA was quick to point out that EA Sports FC will continue to use the licences it currently has. This includes more than 19,000 players across 700 teams and competitions such as the Uefa Champions League and more. Although there won’t be an official Fifa World Cup game coming from the studio any more.
EA Sports made the groundbreaking announcement via a press release that promises: "Everything you love about our games will be part of EA Sports FC — the same great experiences, modes, leagues, tournaments, clubs and athletes will be there. Ultimate Team, Career Mode, Pro Clubs and Volta Football will all be there.”
EA is said to believe the end of the partnership with Fifa allows them to be more creative in its offering for EA Sports FC. Without the red tape of football’s governing body, it is free to add creative content and updates to its game continuously, and experiment with NFTs, play-to-earn mechanics, and even include live football matches that can be watched in-game.
In short, the future seems bright.
Fifa's response to the end of the partnership
In a fiery response to EA’s announcement, Fifa president Gianni Infantino issued a surprising statement via FIFA.com: “I can assure you that the only authentic, real game that has the Fifa name will be the best one available for gamers and football fans.
"The Fifa name is the only global, original title. Fifa 23, Fifa 24, Fifa 25 and Fifa 26, and so on — the constant is the Fifa name and it will remain forever and remain THE BEST.” It’s a bold claim and one that we’re very interested to see how it plays out.
Can anyone overtake EA?
You see, Infantino may know more than we do, but finding a new studio to take on EA Sports will be no mean feat. Over the past three decades, the Vancouver studio has outsold its nearest rival, Konami’s eFootball (nee Pro Evolution Soccer), so convincingly that other publishers haven’t even bothered to try to make a new football IP for decades.
The coming free-to-play UFL from start-up studio Strikerz is one to watch, but the EA Sports juggernaut will continue to make contenders shake in their boots with or without the Fifa logo.
You only have to look at the hashtag #EASPORTSFC across social media to see how intertwined with real football the studio is. The likes of ex-Manchester United ace Rio Ferdinand and the Premier League showed their support for the new EA Sports era in a co-ordinated marketing operation. It’s not going to disappear any time soon.
But whatever happens, this divorce is a huge win-win for gamers. Unfairly or not, EA Sports has been accused of resting on its laurels as it sits, unopposed, at the top of the table, with each annual iteration almost identical with the last.
But with new rivals about to the hit the pitch, EA is now forced to be creative and think of fresh ways to deliver the world of football through its video games.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
MATCH INFO
AC Milan v Inter, Sunday, 6pm (UAE), match live on BeIN Sports
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Newcastle United 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2
Tottenham (Alli 61'), Davies (70')
Red card Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle)
Company profile
Name: Thndr
Started: October 2020
Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000
Funding stage: series A; $20 million
Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC, Rabacap and MSA Capital
