Iconic Leagues Removed: Analyzing FIFA 23‘s Biggest Licensing Shakeups

Gamers around the world eagerly await each annual installment of EA Sports‘ ubiquitous FIFA video game series, anticipating updated graphics, mechanics, modes, teams and stars that keep the premier virtual football experience feeling fresh. However, FIFA 23 has made headlines not for flashy new features, but for shocking removals of entire high-profile leagues and national teams.

Most notably, Liga MX and the Brazilian National Team will not feature in this year‘s game – an absence equivalent to leaving out the NHL from annual hockey titles. What events led to these integral components of FIFA getting unceremoniously dropped? Could this embolden FIFA‘s rising rival eFootball to capitalize? Let‘s break down context around the key leagues removed from FIFA 23 and the consequences now facing players.

Mexico‘s Liga MX Out After Reported eFootball Exclusivity Deal

In a announcement that stunned North American football fans, EA Sports confirmed Liga MX (Mexico‘s top professional league) would not appear in FIFA 23. While EA provided no context behind the move, various media outlets linked it to a rumored 5-year exclusivity deal signed by Liga MX with Konami‘s eFootball series. Under this agreement, Mexican clubs would only appear in eFootball games until 2028.

For years, Liga MX stood as the most prominent football league in North America. 13 of its teams featured in FIFA 22 with authentic badges, kits and rosters – enabling gamers to experience Mexico‘s vibrant fútbol culture. MLS may be on the rise in popularity, but Liga MX games consistently drew higher viewship:

Losing Liga MX ends years of building familiarity with Mexican teams and stars. It also removes the league most competitive with MLS, limiting avenues to generate domestic North American football rivalries.

While Konami likely forked over a mountain of cash for exclusivity, Liga MX clubs must now hope eFootball properly services more casual North American gamers. If their gamble on a FIFA competitor fails to pay off in enlarging Mexican fútbol fandom, don‘t be surprised if this deal gets ripped up prematurely.

Brazil National Team Absent After Image Rights Disputes

Joining Liga MX in exile is Brazil – one of international football‘s most legendary teams. Unique from other removals linked to rival video game deals, Brazil‘s absence apparently stems from a breakdown in image rights negotiations.

The Brazilian FA reportedly sought over $16 million per year for EA Sports to use their intellectual property – four times prior licensed amounts. When both parties walked away from talks, FIFA 23 got left without Brazil‘s iconic yellow kit and star-studded roster.

Superstars like Neymar Jr. still appear on their club teams, but excluding such a footballing powerhouse cuts deep. As five-time World Cup winners producing generational talents, Brazil earned their "joga bonito" reputation for stylish, skillful play that translated wonderfully in-game. Veterans of FIFA‘s amateur circuits mourn losing such fun freelance squad options. Newcomers miss out on experiencing football‘s spiritual homeland.

Some watchdogs optizmically believe Brazil‘s disappearance proves temporary – a power play to broker more lucrative contracts before inevitably returning to future editions. We‘ll have to wait and see if their World Cup absence awakens EA to just how vital Brazil remains.

Additional Leagues & Teams Removed

Looking beyond the Liga MX and Brazil shakeups, FIFA 23 incorporates other unexplained licensing omissions:

Japanese J1 League – J1 League made its debut in FIFA 22, bringing Japan‘s accelerating football fandom to virtual life. Its removal after one appearance represents a mysterious setback in improving Asian representation.

Renamed Italian Teams – Domestic licensing challenges see AS Roma, Atalanta BC and Lazio Roma appear only as "Roma FC", "Bergamo Calcio" and "Latium".

Could these also signal future poaching attempts by eFootball as their deal with AC Milan demonstrates? Serie A clubs surely took notes of Liga MX‘s hefty windfall going exclusive.

While Konami lacks EA‘s household gaming recognition in Europe, eFootball promises a clear pathway for leagues and teams feeling marginalized in FIFA negotiations. The coming years seem likely to bring intensified jousting between these footsoc rivals – with prized licenses as the ultimate trophies at stake.

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