FIFA 23 Introduces UWCL and NWSL, Its Two New Women’s Leagues; Austrian Courts Rule That FUT Packs Violate Gambling Rules

FIFA 23 was the first title to include women’s club football to the game, and it seems like the game is bolstering this roster with the addition of two new leagues to the game. The existing women’s football leagues include Barclay Women’s Super League and Division 1 Arkema. The two new leagues added to the game are UEFA Women’s Champions League and the National Women’s Soccer League.

UWCL competition can be played through two game modes, which includes Kick-Off and Tournament mode. In Kick-Off, players will begin from the semi-finals stage and in Tournament mode from the quarter-finals stage. Players can expect the full authentic broadcast experience for both modes and they can choose any available European women’s club to play it. Four new European women’s clubs have also been added to the game:

• Real Madrid C.F.
• VfL Wolfsburg
• Juventus
• Eintracht Frankfurt

In the case of National Women’s Soccer League or NWSL, it will be available through 4 game modes: Kick-Off, Online Seasons (Head to head and Co-Op), Online friendlies and Tournament Mode. Players can also play with any of the 12 clubs from the league, and if both clubs are from NWSL in the match, then players will receive an authentic match broadcast experience too.

Through Tournament Mode, players will be able to experience a complete NWSL Campaign. This will see their journey through the season, from lifting the NWSL Shield, to playing in the playoffs and finally lifting the NWSL trophy. This mode will also include the authentic match broadcast experience.

.@NWSL ???? #FIFA23

The National Women’s Soccer League is coming to The World’s Game on March 15th.

Find out more: https://t.co/9GpEH132JZ pic.twitter.com/wI9gXJvr63

— EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) March 6, 2023

FUT Packs Ruled As Gambling by Austrian Courts

In FIFA 23, players can purchase packs on FIFA Ultimate Team with real world money in order to bolster their squad’s strength. This pack system by FIFA has always been looked down upon by players as the lootbox system takes away their hard-earned money.

Recently, some players from Austria decided to file a case in order to be refunded the money they spent on FUT Packs. A report by Games Wirtschaft (via VGC) tells us that Austrian players, which included one minor too, have “gambled away” a sum of 400 Euros on FIFA Ultimate Team Packs.

The case has now received a judgement at the district court of Hermagor. The lootbox system has been classified as “illegal gambling” and Sony Interactive Entertainment Network Europe Limited has been ordered to refund 338.26 Euros. On top of that, FIFA Ultimate Team Packs will be classified as “gambling games that require a license”.

The verdict is not final and the PS5 maker will have a chance to appeal to the court before the end of the year. For people that are wondering why Sony is being sued rather than Electronic Arts, the reason is that, “the purchase contracts in the PlayStation Store were concluded with Sony”.

This is a monumental decision for the gaming industry and we will have to see how it impacts other lootbox systems. The lootbox system has been considered as gambling and was in violation of the rules set by the Austrian Government. We will have to wait and see how Sony appeals to this decision.