The strongest Icons in FIFA 21 are the cards that are nearly impossible for players to obtain. Now, screenshots have been shared on social media suggesting that someone is selling these cards directly to players – for a lot of money. EA Sports announced an investigation.
This is what happened: On Wednesday evening, the first accusations appeared on Twitter that Icon cards may have been sold directly to players. Under the hashtag “EA Gate,” screenshots were shared showing messages from an alleged EA employee:
- According to the screenshots, “Prime Icon Moments” were apparently offered as some of the rarest cards in the game.
- The prices range between 750 and 1,000 dollars.
- Images of “customers” who are said to have already received such Icons were shown.
- Further screenshots of private messages were shared via Twitter or reddit, which show a similar picture, with varying prices up to 1,700 dollars.
As of now, it has not been proven whether and to what extent such card sales have taken place or who might be responsible. However, EA Sports responded with a statement to the allegations.
Here we embed some of the screenshots:
EA Sports: “We do not tolerate in any way what has allegedly happened here”
This is EA’s response: Even on the night of March 10 to 11, EA Sports officially addressed the allegations on Twitter. An investigation into the events is already underway.
This is the English translation of the statement:
We are aware of the allegations currently circulating within our community regarding FIFA 21 Ultimate Team items. A thorough investigation is underway, and if we find inappropriate behavior, we will act quickly. We want to make it clear that this type of behavior is unacceptable, and we do not tolerate in any way what has allegedly happened here. We understand that this raises concerns about an unfair balance in the game and competition. We will inform the community as soon as we have more clarity on the situation.
EA Sports via Twitter
This is how the community is responding to the allegations
As the first allegations surfaced on social media, there were quick reactions. Many users condemned the reported actions – especially regarding how difficult it normally is to obtain these types of cards.
The FIFA content creator NepentheZ emphasized that it is a huge problem in FUT that this method is even interesting for players in terms of having a chance at such an Icon.
The FIFA trader MattFUTTrading also emphasizes that it would be a big problem if players have played days on end or spent thousands in the store to obtain such cards while others could seemingly make a direct purchase:
Prime Icon Moments are usually hard to get
Prime Icon Moments or TOTY cards are among the strongest, but also the most expensive and rarest cards in the game. Some of these Icon Moments cards (like Ronaldo) are so strong that they can’t even be found on the transfer market.
There is a chance to get Prime Icon Moments in packs. However, the chance of pulling such players is extremely low. So one needs an immense amount of luck, or a massive number of packs to increase the chances – or to earn enough coins with the content to buy top cards on the transfer market, if they are available.
Packs in FIFA 21 can be purchased with in-game coins, but also with the real money currency FIFA Points. This topic of loot boxes regularly leads to criticism.
As soon as there is more information on the case, we will keep you updated here at MeinMMO.
