Football Manager 25 is officially scrapped. Sega and Sports Interactive confirmed the cancellation this morning in a move that stunned fans of the long-running sports simulation series. After multiple delays and growing uncertainty around its release, the developers have chosen to reset their focus on the next installment instead.
A Shock Decision After Repeated Delays
Football Manager 25 was initially pitched as a game-changer for the series. It was supposed to introduce a new engine, overhauled UI, and major gameplay improvements. But that vision never fully materialized.
After two delays, FM25 was scheduled for release later this year—deep into the football season. This presented another problem: selling two Football Manager titles in the same calendar year, with FM26 expected not long after. For fans, it would mean paying for a game that might be outdated almost immediately.
In a statement, Sports Interactive acknowledged the frustration. “We know this will come as a huge disappointment,” they admitted, while confirming that all pre-orders would be refunded automatically.
Why Was FM25 Canceled?
The developers cited a mix of internal struggles and external challenges. While some parts of the game met expectations, the overall experience wasn’t where it needed to be. Playtesting reportedly confirmed these concerns.
- Unfinished Player Experience – The new interface and mechanics were not polished enough.
- Release Timing Issues – A March release would leave little room before FM26’s expected launch.
- Quality Control – Releasing an unfinished product and patching it later was not an option.
“We could have pressed on, released FM25 in its current state, and fixed things down the line—but that’s not the right thing to do,” the studio stated.
No FM24 Player Update Either
Adding to the disappointment, FM24 will not receive an updated player database. Normally, Football Manager games get a mid-season refresh reflecting real-world transfers and team changes. But that won’t happen this time.
Updating FM24 would require a “substantial undertaking” and divert resources from the next game. With FM25 now canceled, the studio remains firm on this decision.
The Fallout and What’s Next
The timing of this announcement wasn’t entirely in the studio’s hands. Sega, as a publicly traded company, had to follow financial regulations, which delayed the news by about a week.
Despite the setback, Sports Interactive is adamant that the next installment will be worth the wait. They have promised “a new era” for the franchise but have not given a firm timeline for updates.
For now, fans are left wondering: What will Football Manager look like when it finally returns? And will skipping a year ultimately lead to a stronger game?
