EA uses ‘FIFA 17’ to pay tribute to Brazilian soccer team decimated by plane crash

By Brad Jones November 30, 2016

FIFA 17 screenshot — Image used with permission by copyright holder

On Monday, Brazilian soccer team Chapecoense was struck by tragedy when the majority of its squad was killed in a plane crash while travelling to the finals of the 2016 Copa Sudamericana. Since then, the global footballing community has reached out in solidarity with the club, and now Electronic Arts (EA) has offered its own tribute.

Upon signing into Ultimate Team mode in FIFA 17, players will be given access to the Chapecoense kit and crest, according to a report from Eurogamer. Typically, players would have to earn items like these through random drops or an online auction system.

“Wear this kit and crest in support of the friends, family, and fans of Chapecoense,” reads a statement from the development team that greets players as they sign into Ultimate Team. The message ends with the phrase “Força Chape,” which has been used extensively over the past couple of days to express support for the club.

Over the past few years, Chapecoense has managed to earn a place in the premier division of Brazilian soccer, and 2016 marked the first time that the club was set to compete in the finals of the Copa Sudamericana. Given the crushing halt to the team’s hard-earned momentum, efforts are being mobilized across the world of soccer in an attempt to offer some aid in this trying time.

Atlético Nacional of Colombia, the club that was set to face Chapecoense in the Copa Sudamericana finals, have requested that their opponents be named as the winners of the tournaments. Various Brazilian clubs have reportedly offered to loan out players for free as efforts to rebuild the squad get underway.

FIFA 17 players looking to show solidarity with Chapecoense will be able to find the kit and crest in the new items section of the Ultimate Team game mode.

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Brad is an English-born writer currently splitting his time between Edinburgh and Pennsylvania. You can find him on Twitter…

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