Ted Lasso’s AFC Richmond debuts as playable team in FIFA23

Emmy Award-winning TV show Ted Lasso’s fictional team will make a debut in this autumn’s anticipated release of FIFA23.

AFC Richmond is a popular, fictional football club on the Apple TV show that has received numerous accolades.

Now, the team will immortalise into video game characters modelled on the actors playing Coach, coach Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis), the grumpy footballer turned coach Roy Kent, Sam Obisanya, and star shooter Jamie Tartt amongst others.

AFC Richmond will be a playable team in EA Sports’ annual release of FIFA with the team’s kit, Nelson Road stadium and the club badge as unlockable items in the Ultimate Team and Pro Club modes.

FIFA players can take control of the new team, or join them with their own created characters as either a manager or a player in Career Mode and online multiplayer matches.

The official trailer, released on 21 September, features actors including the character Trent Crimm from The Independent and includes a small statement from the video game giant.

EA Sports FIFA said: “He’s proven he belongs in the game.”

Sudeikis has won outstanding lead actor in a comedy series for both 2021 and 2022 at the Primetime Emmy Awards with the show as a whole claiming outstanding comedy series for both years.

The programme has collected an array of awards including the highly-acclaimed Screen Actors Guild Awards, Golden Globes for best actor two years running, and Critics’ Choice Awards.

One day before the trailer came out, the official Ted Lasso Twitter account hinted at the release.

They said: “Look out, Mario! You’re not the only pixelated man with a moustache who never knows where the tube is taking him…”

Sudeikis said in a press release: “As long-time fans of FIFA, having Ted Lasso and the whole AFC Richmond squad incorporated into the newest version of the game is truly a dream come true for myself and the rest of the fellas.

“Our cast and crew work tremendously hard on this show, and we are flattered that it resonates with so many folks. We look forward to our fans having the opportunity to play with, play as, and even play against their favourite AFC Richmond characters.”

Next year will be EA Sports FIFA’s 30-year milestone of creating FIFA games since 1993.

FIFA 23 is set for global release on 30 September.

It will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Stadia, PS4, and Xbox One.