Sega has delivered unexpected news to fans of the niche yet popular Football Manager series: there will be no new installment for the 2025 season. In an official statement, Sega and Sports Interactive announced the cancellation of the game and confirmed that all preorders would be refunded.
What led to this decision? The announcement revealed that the game, which had already faced two delays, was simply too unfinished to release. The developers had promised a significant technological advancement in the new installment, but it appears they couldn't fulfill this vision in time. This level of transparency is noteworthy, especially when compared to other sports simulators that might release barely updated versions year after year (we're looking at you, NBA 2K!).
Despite the commendable honesty, the news is disappointing for fans. The developers also confirmed that Football Manager 24 will not receive updates with new season data. This is a significant setback for many players, especially given past instances where successful in-game managers have secured real-life positions at football clubs. For the next year, players will have to make do with an outdated version of the game.
All that remains now is to await future announcements from Sega and Sports Interactive regarding the series' direction.
