EA has confirmed the decision to remove Russia and Belarus as eligible countries from its esports programs.
This means players and teams from Russia and Belarus won’t be allowed to participate in the Apex Legends Global Series and the EA SPORTS FIFA 22 Global Series.
“We continue to be shocked at the conflict that is unfolding in Ukraine and join so many voices around the world in calling for peace and an end to the invasion. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine. We have decided to remove Russia and Belarus as eligible countries in our esports programs. Effective immediately, players and teams in Russia and Belarus are ineligible to participate in the Apex Legends Global Series and the EA SPORTS FIFA 22 Global Series,” EA official statement stated.
The move to place sanctions on Russians using its platform follows a wide range of sanctions placed by other organizations for Russia’s recent actions.
Other sanctions previously imposed on Russia include the suspension of the sales of its games, content, and virtual currency in Russia and Belarus.
The company also removed the Russian national team and all Russian football clubs from its popular videogame title “FIFA 22”.