Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond will be playable in FIFA 23, EA Sports announced on Wednesday with a trailer. The fictional team from Apple TV+’s comedy series will be available in Career Mode, Kickoff, Online Friendlies, and Online Seasons. According to EA, “a number of AFC Richmond items including kits, tifos, Manager items, and other content will also be available to unlock across FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) and Pro Clubs where applicable.”
AFC Richmond won’t be available in the Premier League in Kick Off, Online Friendlies and Online seasons, but the fictional team will be available in the Rest of the World section, as expected. Jason Sudeikis, who plays the character Ted Lasso in the series, will be available for selection as the team’s manager in Career Mode. Popular players such as Jamie Tartt, Sam Obisanya, Roy Kent and Dani Rojas will also be featured in FIFA 23.
Reacting to the news, Sudeikis, who won an Emmy for best actor in a comedy series for his role on the hit show said: “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. 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 favourite AFC Richmond characters.”
In a statement, actor Brett Goldstein who plays Roy Kent in the series, said, “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. 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.”
Early access for FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition begins on September 27th. The game will be available worldwide on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Stadia, PS4, and Xbox One on 30th September. From next year, EA will be ditching the FIFA branding, and the popular football game will now be called EA Sports FC.
A third season is in the works for the hit TV series, but it could be the final one for Ted Lasso on Apple TV+.
