'Look out, Mario!' - FIFA 23 to feature Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond as fictional coach comes to latest release of EA Sports game

FIFA 23 will bring a whole host of new features, including the debut of women's clubs and more realistic player interactions.

But what most fans won't have anticipated is the introduction of a certain fictional manager and his team - Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond.

'Look out, Mario!' - FIFA 23 to feature Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond as fictional coach comes to latest release of EA Sports game

'Look out, Mario!' - FIFA 23 to feature Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond as fictional coach comes to latest release of EA Sports game

'Look out, Mario!' - FIFA 23 to feature Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond as fictional coach comes to latest release of EA Sports game

'Ted Lasso', a comedy first aired in 2020, is based on the story of an American football coach hired to manage a British football team, despite being seriously under qualified.

Now, after two seasons, the show's star Ted Lasso - who's played by American actor Jason Sudeikis - and his team AFC Richmond will star in the newest game.

"We are delighted to announce that EA SPORTS has brought Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond into FIFA 23," a statement read.

The much loved football video game is set to be released on the 27th September.

"It is so f***ing cool to be in FIFA. I'm not sure this is going to help dispel the CGI rumours butf*** it, totally worth it," actor Brett Goldstein, who plays AFC Richmond player Roy Kent said. "I
look forward to beating my nephew in a game with me as Roy Kent and him as Jamie Tartt. He's gonna be furious."

And ahead of it's launch, Lasso's account tweeted a picture hinting his character could be part of the new version.

"Look out, Mario!" Lasso wrote on Tuesday, "You're not the only pixelated man with a moustache who never knows where the tube is taking him..."

'Look out, Mario!' - FIFA 23 to feature Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond as fictional coach comes to latest release of EA Sports game

'Look out, Mario!' - FIFA 23 to feature Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond as fictional coach comes to latest release of EA Sports game

Along with his tweet, Lasso posted a picture of him appearing to get a face scan - something footballers in the game have famously done when accurately represented in the game.

Adding fuel to the rumours, the game's official account EA SPORTS FIFA replied to Lasso's tweet with a pair of eyes emoji.

Whilst Lasso's cameo in FIFA hasn't been officially confirmed, there's also been speculation that AFC Richmond - the side Lasso takes over in the award-winning series - will feature, too.

It had been reported that the team was spotted when the FIFA 23 webpage initially went live, before being swiftly removed.

'Look out, Mario!' - FIFA 23 to feature Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond as fictional coach comes to latest release of EA Sports game

'Look out, Mario!' - FIFA 23 to feature Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond as fictional coach comes to latest release of EA Sports game

Lasso may be a fictional character, but he's actually inspired those who actually sit at the top of football - including Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who said he took inspiration from the coach's positive attitudes.

Meanwhile, Leeds boss and American Jesse Marsch has also cited Lasso since moving across to the Premier League, saying Lasso feeds into the stereotype of coaches from the US not faring well in England.

Sudeikis was also recently spotted at Brentford's game against Arsenal, with fans joking he was on a secret scouting mission alongside his fellow star Coach Beard.

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