Was Inzaghi Removed From FIFA 23?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Yes, FIFA icon Filippo "Pippo" Inzaghi has been removed from all FIFA 23 content including Ultimate Team packs, drafts, and squad building challenges.

EA Sports Cuts Ties With Several FIFA Icons

Inzaghi was removed alongside several other legendary players like Diego Maradona and Marc Overmars. Their imaging rights have essentially expired or been terminated from agreements, forcing EA Sports to cut ties.

These contract ends and disputes between third parties, players, estates and more resulted in the following icons being axed:

  • Hidetoshi Nakata
  • Jay-Jay Okocha
  • Diego Maradona
  • Marc Overmars
  • Deco
  • Ryan Giggs
  • Pep Guardiola
  • Filippo Inzaghi

According to Mirror UK, the removal of legends like Inzaghi and Maradona has "left some gaps" for FIFA 23 players looking to add icons to their Ultimate Team squads.

Why Cut Inzaghi? Image Rights Disputes Plague EA

So why specifically was Pippo Inzaghi‘s icon removed from the game? Public details are scarce. EA Sports has not issued direct comments about his FIFA departure.

But as mentioned, it largely stems from impending contract expirations and disputes over imaging rights. For years, EA Sports has run into issues managing agreements with players, estates, and other entities as Legends and Icons sign short-term deals.

Mirror UK reports these deals can be as short as 12 months long. When relationships sour or terms expire, legends can abruptly vanish from the game despite their legacy and popularity among fans.

Unfortunately for enthusiasts of Italian great Inzaghi, this seems to be the doomed case resulting in his FIFA 23 removal.

Ongoing Legal Disputes Causing Icon Exits

Furthermore, outstanding legal issues make it near impossible for EA to retain rights to certain players. Diego Maradona‘s complicated estate and contract disputes have embargoed the Argentinian start from FIFA for over a year now.

Inzaghi appears to be wrapped up in similarly turbulent negotiations that legally bar EA from keeping him in-game. Unless these matters get resolved, Icons like Pippo could remain banned from FIFA entries indefinitely.

Community Reacts to Inzaghi‘s FIFA Removal

Needless to say, fans have not taken kindly to Inzaghi‘s abrupt FIFA departure alongside other pulled icons. Social media erupted with grievance and memes mocking EA Sports:

Reactions indicate players are fed up with EA failing to properly secure licensing, leading to Icons disappearing each new game. Their frustration is warranted – losing all-time greats like Inzaghi detracts from the experience.

Impacts on FIFA 23 Ultimate Team

Quantifiably, the removed legends have also taken a toll on FIFA Ultimate Team matchmaking and squad building.

According to FUTObserver.com, Diego Maradona‘s Icon Items alone accumulated over 7 million views on FUT 23 web and companion apps before being locked. And he‘s remained the app‘s 13th most viewed player even after removal.

This shows the sheer demand for axed legends who leave players desperationly searching for extinct Icons like Inzaghi listed on the transfer market. It no doubt drives down engagement.

Will Inzaghi Ever Return?

At the moment, Inzaghi remains completely cut from all FIFA 23 content. But could the prolific striker ever return as an Icon in future installments?

Potentially, but EA Sports must either re-secure his licensing rights or wait for legal disputes to settle. If his imaging rights cannot be renewed, Inzaghi could be stuck on the sidelines for FIFA 24 and beyond.

For FIFA 23 at least, Pippo won‘t lead your Serie A attacks again anytime soon. The search continues for a new Italian goalscorer to replace him.

Over to you, EA – bring back the legends.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

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My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

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