Electronic Arts will no longer allow teams from Russia and Belarus to compete in its esports events following the invasion of Ukraine.
Earlier this month, Electronic Arts (EA) announced the suspension of all its game sales within Russia and Belarus. On Wednesday, the company took things one step further by imposing further restrictions. Specifically on the Apex Legends and FIFA 22 esports events.
“We continue to be shocked at the conflict that is unfolding in Ukraine and join so many voices around the world in calling for peace and an end to the invasion. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine,” EA’s statement reads on Twitter. “We have made the decision to remove Russia and Belarus as eligible countries in our esports programs. Effective immediately, players and teams in Russia and Belarus are ineligible to participate in the Apex Legends Global Series and EA Sports FIFA 2022 Global Series.”
EA already removed Russia’s national teams from FIFA 22 and NHL 22 in response to the invasion.
— Electronic Arts (@EA) March 16, 2022
Many major companies within the games industry are cutting ties with Russia. Sony, Microsoft, CD Projekt Red, GSC Game World, Itch.io, Square Enix, and The Pokémon Company have either stopped doing business with the country or aided humanitarian efforts within Ukraine through charitable donations.
Written by Kyle Campbell on behalf of GLHF.
