FIFA 20 Removes Retired Dutch Player Marco van Basten After He Uses Nazi Greeting on Television
"We have an expectation that our commitment to equality and diversity is upheld across our game," EA says.
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EA announced today that it is pulling Marco van Basten from FIFA 20—a week after the retired Dutch star unexpectedly dropped a Nazi greeting on television.
The following message went out to FIFA 20 players earlier today:
We are aware of the recent comments made by Marco van Basten. We have an expectation that our commitment to equality and diversity is upheld across our game. As such, we will suspend Marco van Basten.
Van Basten landed in hot water after saying "Sieg Heil" during an interview with German coach Frank Wormuth of Heracles. Fox Sports quickly suspended Van Basten and announced that it would donate his wages to a Dutch institute to promote knowledge about World War II.
Van Basten's removal from FIFA 20 means he will no longer be available through packs or in the FUT draft. He had previously been available as an Icon—a special card reserved for retired stars. During his playing career in the 1980s, Van Basten was a star striker for Ajax and AC Milan, and eventually went on to coach the Netherlands national team.
EA did not say whether it would reinstate Van Basten. We recently revisited FIFA 20 on Black Friday, and you can find our analysis here.