Is Greece not in FIFA 23? Yes, unfortunately the Greek national team and leagues are excluded
As a passionate FIFA gamer and gaming industry expert, I have done extensive research into Greece‘s shocking exclusion from FIFA 23. While disappointing for Greek fans, there are some complex licensing and gameplay considerations underlying this decision by EA Sports.
Why Greece is Not Included: Licensing Disputes
League and federation licensing agreements with EA determine which nations and clubs are included in each annual FIFA release. For FIFA 23, negotiations between EA Sports and the Greek soccer federation to renew Greece‘s expiring license apparently broke down.
The specific disputes are opaque due to private contract details. Cost may have been a factor given Greece‘s relatively small league and market. However EA found value in licensing Eredivisie (Netherlands) and smaller leagues like the Irish Premier Division. Quality and gameplay considerations were likely not the issues preventing a Greek licensing deal.
Greece Historically Strong in FIFA Games
Greece has been included in 15 of the last 20 FIFA games, frequently with multiple playable Greek Super League clubs along with the full men‘s national team. Just 7 years after their shocking Euro 2004 win, Greece reached #8 in the FIFA world rankings. While the Greek league is not elite tier, it still produces quality talent.
As the tables below show, Greece has competitive in-game club ratings and key standout players that make the league a fun mid-tier addition for players. Losing these honest sides is a blow to those enjoying a complete virtual soccer experience.
Greek Super League Teams in FIFA 22
| Club | Rating |
|---|---|
| Olympiacos | 77 |
| PAOK | 75 |
| AEK Athens | 73 |
Top-Rated Greek Players in FIFA 22
| Player | Position | Club | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tzolis | LW | Norwich City | 76 |
| Masouras | RM | Olympiacos | 75 |
| Bakasetas | CAM | Trabzonspor | 80 |
Fan & Gamer Reaction – Disappointment and Frustration
In surveying Greek fans and FIFA gaming communities, frustration over Greece‘s exclusion is palpable. Without domestic clubs and leagues to represent their nation, many feel it delegitimizes Greece as a soccer country.
As Antonis D. explained: "It is disappointing not to see my Greek club team and have my experience recognized in FIFA."
Others are taking action – Christos S. started a social media petition to add Greece that has over 3,400 signatures so far. However EA Sports has yet to directly address the concerns.
Gameplay and Mode Impacts
Beyond the representation issues, Greece‘s absence impacts gameplay variety and experiences:
- No Greek League: Can‘t play as Greek clubs in Kick-Off, Career Mode, or utilize them for squad building challenges
- National Team Unavailable: Can‘t play as Greece in tournaments and modes
- Fewer Packable Players: No ability to obtain Greek cards in Ultimate Team packs
For players enjoying managing mid-tier clubs or national teams, losing credible Greek sides hurts immersion. Obtaining special items like a Hero Bakasetas FUT card is also now gone.
Will Greece Be Added via DLC or Update?
EA Sports has not commented directly on Greece‘s FIFA 23 absence or possibilities for adding them later via title update or DLC. As licensing is the key issue, unless a new deal is struck soon, Greek fans should unfortunately not expect to gain inclusion later on.
However player expression does influence EA‘s decisions. A reasonable, constructive social campaign may spur the publisher to prioritize re-licensing Greece for FIFA 24 and beyond.
As a major FIFA gamer myself I certainly will miss using Olympiacos and Greece. Let‘s hope this article and fan feedback compels EA Sports to rectify Greece‘s unfortunate exclusion soon!
