FIFA 16 Loses These 13 Players Due to NCAA Dispute

FIFA 16 has lost 13 players expected to be included in the game due to a dispute with the NCAA concerning potential eligibility violations. Of the "hundreds" of players on FIFA 16's rosters, 13 are currently attending or will attend schools in the US sanctioned by the NCAA. Their involvement with the game was determined by the NCAA to be a potential threat to their eligibility, EA said today in a news release.

"We do not agree with this position," EA said, noting that all rights for the 13 players were secured appropriately, with the approval of the respective national bodies and federations. EA also pointed out that none of the real-world players were going to receive any compensation for their part in the game. That issue is another can of worms entirely, but it doesn't come into play here, EA said.

The developer went on to say that, although it doesn't agree with the NCAA's position, it has pulled the 13 players out of the game so as not to jeopardize their eligibility in NCAA competition.

"We believe this decision denies these 13 athletes the opportunity to represent their countries in the game," EA said.

We have reached out to the NCAA in an attempt to find out more about the specific eligibility concerns the organization had regarding these players' involvement in FIFA 16. For its part, EA says, "We will keep you informed with any updates on these players as the season unfolds."

Below is a list of the 13 players who have been removed from FIFA 16 and the national teams they play for.

• Kadeisha Buchanan, Canada
• Jessie Fleming, Canada
• Ashley Lawrence, Canada
• Janine Beckie, Canada
• Rebecca Quinn, Canada
• Sura Yekka, Canada
• Celia Jiménez, Spain
• Tanya Samarzich, Mexico
• Greta Espinoza, Mexico
• Christina Murillo, Mexico
• Amanda Perez, Mexico
• Emily Alvarado, Mexico
• Maria Sanchez, Mexico