Viking veto
One of this year’s feel-good stories in soccer (football, fútbol, the beautiful game) was Iceland’s run to the quarterfinals of Euro 2016 earlier this summer. The tiny Nordic country improbably made it through the group stage before ousting England in the round of 16. During that upset, 99.8% of television watchers in Iceland were reportedly tuned into the match. Some 10,000 people showed up to a rally spot in Reykjavik to honor the squad with the Viking-Clap after its loss to France.
Despite all this momentum for the Icelandic national team, it will not appear in FIFA 17. According to the BBC, Iceland rejected EA Sports’ offer of $15,000 to cover trademarks and image rights. Geir Thorsteinsson, president of the Football Association of Iceland, said “They are the ones buying these rights, and they almost want it for free. I really feel if we are giving away rights, or offering rights, it has to be proper negotiations and fair fees.” Iceland made a counter-offer that was not accepted by EA.
For comparison’s sake, FIFA 17 will feature 47 national teams at launch. India is the lowest-ranked country to make the cut at 148th in the world. Iceland currently sits as the 27th best international squad.
EA Sports has not yet offered comment about this matter. FIFA 17 is set to release next week. While Iceland is sure to be left out at first, don’t discount the idea that it’ll be added in later. If the player-base turns this into enough of A Thing, EA just might pony up the cash that Iceland feels it deserves.
Fifa 17: Iceland team in ‘cash row’ with game developers EA [BBC]
