Football Manager 2025 Cancelled; A Setback for Fans and the Franchise
The highly anticipated release of Football Manager 2025 (FM25) has been officially cancelled by its developer, Sports Interactive, following multiple delays. The decision was announced after the game failed to meet the expected quality standards, prompting the studio to shift its focus to the 2026 edition of the popular football management simulation series.
In a statement, Sports Interactive described the cancellation as a “difficult decision,” acknowledging the disappointment it would cause among fans who had eagerly awaited the game. The developer had previously delayed the release twice, citing challenges in achieving the “biggest technical and visual advancement in the series for a generation.” Despite progress in some areas, the overall player experience and interface reportedly fell short of expectations.
The company emphasised that releasing FM25 in its current state and addressing issues post-launch was not an option, as it would not meet the standards fans deserve. Additionally, pushing the release beyond March was deemed impractical, as it would coincide too late in the football season. Fans who pre-ordered the game will receive full refunds, and the 2024 version of Football Manager will not be updated with 2025’s squad and transfer data.
Sports Interactive, owned by Sega, has now redirected its efforts towards Football Manager 2026, aiming to deliver a polished and innovative experience. The studio expressed regret for letting down its loyal fanbase and assured players that every effort is being made to ensure the next release meets their expectations.
The cancellation marks a rare setback for the long-running franchise, which first launched in 2004 and has since become a staple for football enthusiasts worldwide. The most recent instalment, released in November 2023, became the most-played in the series’ history, with seven million players within 100 days of its launch.
FM25: Football Manager sequel cancelled after two delays
Developer Sports Interactive says the 2025 edition was too far away from the standards fans deserve.
www.bbc.co.uk
FM25 cancelled: Makers of Football Manager video game issue update after release delays
The game's makers say their attention will now turn to creating a new era for the Football Manager series.
news.sky.com
Football Manager 25 video game cancelled after series of delays
The makers of Football Manager have taken the ‘difficult decision’ to cancel the 2025 release of the game after a series of delays
www.theguardian.com
Football Manager 25 game cancelled after delays
Popular video game Football Manager announced on Friday that its delayed 2025 edition has been cancelled as the overarching player experience and inte
www.espn.co.uk
Why Football Manager 25 has been cancelled
Sports Interactive end months of silence and speculation by confirming FM25 was ‘too far away’ from living up to expectations
inews.co.uk
PC
Your trusted source for video game news, reviews and guides, since 1999.
www.eurogamer.net
Fantasy Hockey News - Advice, Stats, Sleepers, Rankings and more - The Athletic
Breaking Fantasy Hockey news and in-depth analysis from the best newsroom in sports. Follow your favorite clubs. Get the latest injury updates, player
www.nytimes.com
Football Manager 2025 CANCELLED! Fans left raging as popular video game binned due to 'variety of challenges' after two moved release dates - with creators 'sorry' for letting players down | Goal.com UK
Football Manager 2025 has been cancelled, manufacturers Sports Interactive have revealed, with a “variety of challenges” unable to be resolved.
www.goal.com