Football Manager 2025 Cancelled; A First for the Franchise

2025-03-01

Sports Interactive, the developer behind the popular Football Manager series, has officially cancelled Football Manager 2025 (FM25), marking the first time the franchise has skipped a year since its inception in 2004. The decision comes after multiple delays and significant challenges in development, particularly with the transition to the Unity game engine. The studio has apologised to fans and confirmed that refunds will be issued to those who pre-ordered the game.

The cancellation was announced in a statement on the official Football Manager website, where Sports Interactive explained that despite extensive efforts, the game did not meet the required standards. The developer had aimed to deliver the “biggest technical and visual advancement in the series for a generation,” but issues with the player experience and interface proved insurmountable. The team decided against releasing an unfinished product, as it would not align with their commitment to quality.

Refunds for pre-orders will be processed automatically, and the studio has shifted its focus to Football Manager 2026 (FM26), which is expected to launch in November 2025. Sports Interactive also confirmed that there will be no data update for the 2024/25 season, as resources are being prioritised for the next release. Discussions are ongoing with platform holders to extend the availability of Football Manager 2024 on subscription services like Game Pass.

The cancellation has been met with disappointment from fans, many of whom had eagerly anticipated the game’s release. Sports Interactive expressed gratitude for the community’s support and reiterated its commitment to delivering a high-quality experience with FM26. The studio emphasised that the decision to cancel FM25 was made to ensure the franchise’s long-term success and to uphold the standards expected by its players.

Football Manager 25 is officially cancelled – Sports Interactive issues apology and refunds

It comes after a number of FM25 delays.

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