EA Sports Releases FIFA 16 Cover Sporting Female Athletes
For the first time in franchise history, the cover of FIFA 16 will be shared by a male and female athlete for the US and Canadian releases. For the former, US Women's National Team Forward Alex Morgan will stand alongside Lionel Messi while in Canada, it will be the Captain of the Canadian Women's National Team Christine Sinclair standing beside Messi.
In a press release, Morgan stated "It is an incredible honor to be one of the first women featured on the cover of EA SPORTS FIFA, I know people all over the world play this game and I'm really excited that FIFA 16 is putting such an important spotlight on women's soccer. And now to share the cover with today's greatest player is surreal."
It is the first time in the history of the franchise where fans are able to play as female football teams, taking 12 Women's National Teams onto the pitch in Kick Off, Offline Tournament, and Online Friendly Matches. "This year's World Cup showcased the unbelievable talent and skill in women's soccer," said Sinclair. "I'm thrilled that EA SPORTS is celebrating female athletes in FIFA 16. To be featured in the game and to promote women's soccer with Alex is really special and another exciting step for women in sports."
On the UK cover, recently appointed Liverpool Captain Jordan Henderson will share the cover with Messi as decided by a fan ballot which did not include any female athletes, despite the England Woman's team having one of their most successful World Cup campaigns this year.
You'll be able to take to the pitch on September 22 in the US, September 24 in Europe, and September 25 for the UK.