Diego Maradona, the legendary Argentine footballer, has been at the center of a legal dispute leading to his removal from the FIFA 22 video game. This decision has sparked significant interest and discussion among soccer fans globally.
Maradona's Iconic Presence in FIFA 22
Diego Maradona, known as one of the greatest players in soccer history, was a prominent figure in FIFA 22, primarily featured as an icon card in the Ultimate Team mode. His legacy on the field and his enduring impact on the sport has solidified his status as an icon in the world of football.
Legal Dispute Over Image Rights
The removal of Maradona from FIFA 22 stems from a complex legal dispute regarding his image rights. EA Sports, the publisher of FIFA 22, encountered legal challenges due to the ownership of Maradona's likeness rights.
The dispute arose after EA had signed a commercial agreement with Maradona's former manager, Stefano Ceci. Yet, a court ruling revealed that Ceci did not possess the legal authority to make such deals, leading to uncertainty regarding the ownership of Maradona's image rights.
Maradona's Image Rights Ownership
Maradona's lawyer, Matias Morla, claimed that before his untimely passing in November 2020, Maradona had granted his image rights to his company, Sattvica. But in a subsequent development, Sattvica faced a legal challenge from two of Maradona's daughters, resulting in a ban on the company's usage of Maradona's brands.
This legal entanglement further complicated the ownership of Maradona's image rights, contributing to the removal of his presence from FIFA 22.
EA's Response and Future Prospects
In response to the legal dispute, EA Sports made the decision to fully remove Maradona's Icon items from FIFA 22. This included his availability in packs, Squad Building Challenges, and Drafts.
Though, there remains hope that Maradona's iconic presence may be reinstated in the game in the future, contingent upon the resolution of the legal complexities surrounding his image rights.
Speculation on Maradona's Return
The uncertainty surrounding the duration of the legal dispute and the ownership of Maradona's image rights has raised questions about his potential inclusion in future FIFA installments.
Given the ongoing legal battle and the intricate nature of image rights in the gaming industry, the timeline for Maradona's potential return to the FIFA series remains uncertain.
Impact on FIFA 22 and Soccer Fans
The removal of Maradona from FIFA 22 has generated significant interest and discussions within the soccer community. His absence from the game has left a void for fans who admired his unparalleled skills and contributions to the sport.
Overall, Diego Maradona's removal from FIFA 22 is a result of a protracted legal dispute over the ownership of his image rights.
This decision has not only impacted the gaming experience for FIFA enthusiasts but has also highlighted the complexities and challenges associated with image rights in the gaming industry.
The legacy of Maradona in the world of soccer continues to be celebrated, and his enduring impact transcends beyond the digital realm of FIFA 22, resonating with fans as they await the potential reinstatement of his iconic presence in the game.
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