Popular television character Ted Lasso and his AFC Richmond football team will feature in this year's edition of FIFA. In an announcement tonight, EA confirmed the Lasso had 'proven he belongs in the game'.
The character, modelled off star Jason Sudeikis will feature on the side-lines as players get to take control of angsty veteran Roy Kent, wonderkid Sam Obisanya, and Jamie Tartt, along with other characters from the series. They are thought to be playable in Career Mode, or players can drop their own fictional star into the line-up.
The move was teased on the official Ted Lasso Twitter account, where the fictional coach tweeted: "Look out, Mario! You're not the only pixelated man with a moustache who never knows where the tube is taking him."
The AFC Richmond kit, Nelson Road Stadium, and club badge are also said to feature in the game. It is thought they will be unlockable in Ultimate Team and Pro Clubs game modes.
In a video announcing the move, former England striker Ian Wright says: "He doesn't do things conventionally but then again, none of the great managers do. He's proven he belongs in the game."
An AppleTV+ series, Ted Lasso follows the titular character as he leaves behind the National Football League (NFL) for a struggling Premier League side. The NFL professional tries to take on the English game with his optimistic demeanour while dealing with his inexperience in the sport. Having run for two series now, it has won 32 awards.
FIFA 2023 is the final instalment of the EA Sports hit to be licensed by football's official governing body. From next year, the series will be known as EA Sports FC.
FIFA 2023 is released on September 30
