AFC Richmond Women added to EA FC 27

Mmm, how about that? Indeed, I could have used any number of Lasso-isms, but given the internet and men being upset that they can’t watch men in shorts that climb up their backsides, I couldn’t exactly quote Trent Crimm, Independent. Before my editor kills me, yes, Ted Lasso Season 4 is now over, and recently EA did one of those things where the yearly sports release… released, so like FIFA 23 featuring the AFC Richmond men’s team, earlier this week AFC Richmond Women, and if the internet gets its way, the American team to topple Man City are back in the world of games.

“[Monday], Electronic Arts announced a renewed partnership with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment that brings fan-favourite Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond back to EA SPORTS FC™ in more ways than ever, with new opportunities to play, manage, and represent the Lady Greyhounds across The World’s Game,” notes the press release. Though if Infantino gets his way, it is no one’s game.

The press release continues: “For the very first time, fans can play as AFC Richmond Women in EA SPORTS FC™ 27, with legendary characters, environments, and themed rewards across Career Mode, Football Ultimate Team™, and more.“

Jeff Sharma, VP, Brand, EA SPORTS FC [sic] said of the announcement: “Ted Lasso celebrates the power of football to bring people together, and that’s exactly what FC 27 is built for. FC 27 gives players more ways than ever to play and connect, and AFC Richmond is the perfect club to welcome them in. Fans can take the pitch with its Women’s team in Kick Off, lead the Lady Greyhounds as Ted in Career Mode, and represent Richmond in their own Club in Football Ultimate Team. However you play, FC 27 and Ted Lasso are united by the belief that football is better together.”

As noted above in the usual PR-friendly lawyer ick, you can play as the Lady Greyhounds across a multitude of in-game modes, including the insipid Ultimate Team thing that still makes no sense to me. Though you can don the khakis and tash and manage the team to success as the titular character. We’ll ignore spoilers, but it is odd we’d only get Nelson Road (Selhurst) and Ted without the rest of the coaching staff or Milk Park (SkyEx Community Stadium) for the women’s team. It’s a nice idea, but it would be nice to have some of the more specific details in there.

Season 4 star Abbie Hern (Gemma Jay) said of the announcement: “It was incredibly special the first time I got to play with AFC Richmond in the game, and it’s amazing to see myself as part of the Lady Greyhounds squad in EA SPORTS FC 27. Our fans have embraced Richmond as more than just a fictional club. Giving people a way to play and connect with the Women’s team on the pitch in FC 27 feels like a wonderful next chapter, and I hope players enjoy making us part of their football stories.”

Of course, EA Sports FC 27 is available now across PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles, as well as PC. For players in the US, the MSRP is about $69.99 for the standard release, and of course whatever your regional equivalent is. It is nice to have something like this, but it does feel bittersweet; it is only for one edition of the game and is not carried over year-on-year. Though something is better than nothing.