Since EA and FIFA can't seem to agree on the naming rights, FIFA 22 could be the last game in the franchise to bear the moniker.

For more than two decades, EA Sports has held the FIFA trademark, but that appears to be changing shortly, as FIFA wants to share the licence with different developers and move away from the exclusivity that EA now has. EA has already stated that they are considering a name change, with EA Sports FC currently being one of the options.

In a report by VGC, EA CEO Andrew Wilson has opened up more about the situation to his team. "For the past 30 years or more, we've enjoyed a fantastic connection with FIFA. We've created billions of dollars in value... it's incredible. We've built one of the world's most valuable entertainment properties. I believe – and this may be a little biased – that the FIFA brand has greater importance as a video game than as a soccer regulatory body. We don't take it for granted and strive not to be conceited about it. We've put in a lot of effort to ensure FIFA realise what we need in the future."

🚨 HUGE FIFA news 🚨

EA Sports planning #FIFA23 release, but gaming franchise could be set to end, after EA CEO says FIFA licence has been an 'impediment' in recent years.🤯

Story for @MirrorFootball, original reporting via @VGC_News.#FIFA23 #FIFA22https://t.co/EMQOvdkZdL

— Nathan Bliss (@EsportsNath) February 23, 2022

Electronic Arts CEO  goes even farther, claiming that the FIFA licence may have hampered their franchise's expansion. "Our players have told us that they want more cultural and commercial brands that are important to them in their markets, as well as brands like Nike, more firmly ingrained in the game." We are unable to do so because FIFA has a partnership with Adidas. Our users have told us that they want new game options, as well as items other than 11v11 and different styles of gameplay. It's been a battle to convince FIFA to accept the types of stuff we want to make because our licence only covers specific categories, as they say."