Football Manager 25 Officially Cancelled: Sports Interactive Apologizes and Issues Refunds
Football Manager 2025 (FM25) has been officially cancelled after multiple delays, much to the disappointment of fans. Sports Interactive, the developers behind the popular football management simulation series, have announced that they will now shift their focus towards the 2026 edition of the game, marking a significant change for the franchise’s future.
FM25 was initially poised to introduce major innovations, including a new game engine, a complete overhaul of gameplay and visuals, and the inclusion of women’s football. These ambitious updates were expected to bring the game into a new era, but the challenges proved insurmountable for the developers, resulting in an eventual cancellation.
In an official statement, Sports Interactive acknowledged the frustration this news would cause among fans, especially those who had pre-ordered the game and had been eagerly awaiting its release. The developers have confirmed that anyone who pre-ordered FM25 will automatically receive a refund, though they apologized for the delay in communicating the cancellation.
The Reasons Behind the Cancellation
The cancellation of FM25 follows a series of delays, and the official statement explained that despite extensive efforts by the development team, the game had not reached the desired standard. According to the developers, the goal was to create the most significant technical and visual advancement in the series, which would lay the foundation for the future of the franchise. However, unforeseen challenges arose during development, leaving certain elements of the game, such as the player experience and interface, far from the quality the team had envisioned.
Sports Interactive emphasized that while some aspects of FM25 met their targets, the overall experience was not up to the expected level. Even after multiple delays, the game was still not in a state that would meet the high standards fans have come to expect from the Football Manager series. The decision to cancel FM25 was not taken lightly, but the developers felt it was better to acknowledge the issues now, rather than releasing a product that didn’t live up to expectations.
A Shift Towards FM26
Looking ahead, Sports Interactive’s focus has now shifted entirely to Football Manager 2026. With the cancellation of FM25, the developers are determined to ensure that the next iteration of the game will meet the high standards set by previous releases. This new direction marks the beginning of a new era for the franchise, with the team now committed to delivering the best possible player experience.
Though the cancellation is disappointing, the developers made it clear that they were not willing to release FM25 in its current state, especially as it was approaching a March release date—too late in the football season for the game to gain the traction it needed. Instead, they are dedicating all their resources to ensuring that FM26 will be a worthy successor to the Football Manager series.
Sports Interactive also acknowledged the role of the community in the development process. Extensive consumer playtesting provided valuable feedback, and the team appreciated the patience and continued support shown by fans, despite the setbacks. The developers remain committed to delivering a game that lives up to the legacy of Football Manager.
An Apology to Fans
In the statement, Sports Interactive expressed deep regret over the cancellation and the delay in communicating the decision. The developers thanked fans for their trust and support, noting that the decision was made with a great deal of internal discussion and careful consideration with their publishing partner, SEGA.
The developers were candid about the challenges that led to the cancellation, citing both expected and unforeseen issues. The team’s main focus now is ensuring that their next release will meet the high expectations of the Football Manager community.
Looking Forward to FM26
While it may be disappointing to hear that FM25 has been cancelled, Sports Interactive is adamant that the future of the Football Manager series remains bright. The focus on FM26 is an exciting prospect, as it promises to usher in a new era of gameplay and innovation.
The developers are committed to keeping fans informed on their progress as they work on the next iteration of the game. For now, all eyes are on Football Manager 2026, which will hopefully deliver the groundbreaking advancements fans have been eagerly waiting for.
As always, we will continue to update you on any new developments surrounding the Football Manager series as soon as we learn more.
