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EA is removing Russian teams from FIFA 22 and NHL 22, in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
In tweets posted simultaneously from the two games' accounts, EA Sports revealed that it would remove both national and club teams from both games.
The moves are designed to reflect the decisions of both football and hockey's real-life international federations, which have also dropped Russia from multiple competitions while the war is ongoing.
A statement from EA SPORTS FIFA: pic.twitter.com/v3pZvpblgS
— EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) March 2, 2022
FIFA will remove the Russian national team and all Russian clubs from not just FIFA 22, but FIFA Online and FIFA Mobile. "We're also actively evaluating related changes to other areas of our games," the statement continues.
NHL will not just remove Russian teams, but Belarusian teams too, likely in connection with Belarus' tacit support for the Russian invasion. "We stand with the people of Ukraine and join the voices around the world calling for peace," ended that statement.
A statement from EA SPORTS NHL: pic.twitter.com/2uX4h55ok4
— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) March 2, 2022
It's another example of the vocal support for Ukraine in the games industry, which has seen studios pledge support for charitable causes, mass fundraising from influencers, and much more. Ukraine today asked developers to go further and temporarily stop supporting games in Russia altogether.
A number of humanitarian aid organizations are currently accepting donations and support for their efforts to help Ukrainians impacted by the war. They include:
- Save the Children: On the ground right now providing humanitarian aid to children.
- UNICEF: Providing emergency supplies and safe water to communities, as well as care for children on the ground and who have been separated from families.
- Project HOPE: Sending medical supplies and providing health care for refugees.
Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.