Just a few days ago, EA Sports removed the Portuguese star from the game’s cover, replacing him with Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne and Paulo Dybala.
Before the game had ever been released, EA Sports’ decision to choose Cristiano Ronaldo as its cover star for FIFA 19 had become a major headache for the game developer.
Firstly, EA Sports had designed the cover with Ronaldo wearing the shirt of Real Madrid. But after he signed to Juventus in July, the company had no choice but to redesign the cover and its marketing materials so that he appeared in the black and white stripes of the Serie A club.
Then in October came American ex-model Kathryn Mayorga’s shocking allegations of rape against the footballer. Shortly after the allegations, EA Sports temporarily removed the image of Ronaldo from their website and social media pages.
However it did not take long for Ronaldo to return as the cover star of the latest edition of the long-running football game series. But just a few days ago, EA Sports removed the Portuguese star from the game’s cover, replacing him with Neymar, Kevin De Bruyne and Paulo Dybala.
And the game developer has even gone as far as to remove Ronaldo as the cover star within the game itself, replacing him with US footballer, Alex Morgan.
To find out why, AS contacted EA Sports, who said that the decision was only to do with the return of the Champions League on 12 February.
“We are giving prominence to some of the biggest stars in the world of football," EA said.
Nevertheless, the rape allegations against the Juventus star are still being cited as a possible reason for his removal as FIFA 19’s cover star.
EA itself released a statement in October in which the company expressed its deep concern over the allegations: stating: “We are closely monitoring the situation, as we expect cover athletes and ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with EA’s values.”
wetbcmruy
288
Even EA knows that you have to replace CR7 with THREE great talents.. And Madrid thought Mariano Diaz can fit in the No 7 shirt alone [Spittongue][Spittongue]
saecdmoty
119
they use him for money if he doesn't have any allegations but when he does they act like he isn't the cover of their game Konami care about their sponsors and their fans while EA just wants money
Culé_Sushant
97
EA has values?! They are the robbers in the mask of developers. They sell same shitty Fifa every year without even changing much
Jobinho1727
83
jaydlnpz
72
EA has the right to put whomever they want on their cover, its their FIFA, their company, so don't start criticizing them.
JmoneyZ
63
I really don't know the problem of all these one player fan boy, whenever anything goes against their idol they take it personal to the extent that it cloud their judgment, one fan accused EA of being jealous of Ronaldo's achievements, what has that got to do with their decision? they are protecting their image for Christ sake and they have every right to remove/ add any player to their cover
FaithEvans
57
given the sensitive and ethical issues concerning the rape allegations... it makes sense for the corporation to take this measures i mean, Mercedes cancelled a lot of plans with Özil cuz he took a picture with Turkey's president, Erdogan!
Jadeikpstu
10
[image]
he was insulted by atleti fans saying him real bad words.....it all came out of anger.....and you know ronaldo responds more to situations like this then messi....its just behavioral difference....!!