Females in Fifa

Maybe grab a cup of tea for this one, I recommend the Waterstones Cafe- it is adorable.

I'm worried about writing this as the backlash against the decision has been so severe. However, something needs to be said. Or I suppose, in this case, written.

The Fifa 2016 game has been announced to contain female players. Shock, horror, or it’s about time. As many fans fall into dismay over the degradation of their sacred game we must remember one thing; it’s a choice. You can choose in the game whether you want to be a male or female player. Like most games, this means the game doesn't have to be changed at all if you don’t want to play as a woman. So, what’s all the problem? It is merely the presence of women within the game that has appeared to be offensive.

Though what's the opposition to females in Fifa? Cries of ‘feminism has gone too far this time’ have been dragged out to mock the decision. Social media was overrun with comments on the announcement; some positive and some not so much. The game has the opportunity to promote women’s football and the lesser appreciated sport would hugely benefit from the exposure and publicity. Through the game, all young people could be encouraged to be part of football. The inclusion of women is surely a more authentic version of football. There are female footballers in reality, so why not in gaming? What fan wouldn't want that? Ok, so maybe women’s football isn't as popular. Maybe it never will be. But then why is it so threatening? The opportunity is more than warranted for the female athletes. I certainly don’t mean to establish a male/female divide in this discussion. By no means does gender dictate your opinion, in this case, or any other.

So, is it the alteration of a long-standing 'traditional' game, is it sexism, is it popularity? Is it wrong to have female footballers in the Fifa 2016 game? 

That’s all it is, just a game. But it's one I'm tired of playing.

-Sophie

What are your thoughts? Should there be female players in Fifa 16?