Sports Interactive has announced the cancellation of Football Manager 2025 after multiple delays, marking the first time in the series’ 20-year history that a yearly release has been scrapped.
The studio confirmed the decision in a statement, citing an inability to meet the standards expected by fans and promising full refunds for all pre-orders.
The cancellation follows two prior delays, with the game initially set for late 2024 before being pushed back to early 2025.
Sports Interactive regret to inform that, following extensive internal discussion and careful consideration with SEGA, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Football Manager 25. pic.twitter.com/tLRbq8305K
— Football Manager (@FootballManager) February 7, 2025
However, with no new release date in sight, speculation grew over its fate. The studio stated it was left with no choice but to shift its focus to Football Manager 2026, which is now expected to deliver the technical and visual upgrades initially planned for FM25.
“We know this will come as a huge disappointment,” said Sports Interactive in its official statement.
“But as we approached critical milestones at the turn of the year, it became unmistakably clear that we would not achieve the standard required, even with the adjusted timeline.”
Fans had anticipated major changes in FM25, including an upgraded graphics engine, a refined user interface, and the long-awaited introduction of women’s football.
Long-awaited changes stalled by development hurdles
One of the most anticipated additions was the inclusion of women’s football, a feature that required the creation of an entirely new stats database and motion-capture sequences for female players.
The studio had previously stated that this undertaking was complex and time-consuming.
Another major change was the shift to a new engine, which was expected to enhance animations, lighting, and character models.
❌ What some of us feared has happened; #FM25 is officially cancelled.
✅ The full focus now returns to creating a new era for Football Manager, ensuring #FM26 achieves that goal & hits the quality level everyone expects.
How do YOU feel about this? 🤔https://t.co/XfDS1WI6Rj
— FM Scout (@fmscout) February 7, 2025
However, according to PC Gamer, the development process ran into unforeseen difficulties, making it impossible to meet the necessary quality threshold.
As a result of these setbacks, SI has opted to abandon FM25 rather than rush out an unfinished product.
“We could have pressed on, released FM25 in its current state, and fixed things down the line, but that’s not the right thing to do,” the studio stated.
Fan reaction is surprisingly positive
Despite the disappointment, many fans have expressed approval of the decision, praising the developers for prioritising quality over an annual release cycle.
“Honestly? Quite happy with this,” wrote one user on Reddit.
“Too many companies let you pay full price for an unfinished, unpolished mess, hoping to fix it down the line. I applaud them for this decision.”
FM25 should have been cancelled long ago. Let them focus on FM26 and give anyone who pre-ordered 25 beta access to 26
— 🌟🌟🌟Ste Oreilly🌟🌟🌟* (@superdog1984) January 31, 2025
Another fan echoed this sentiment, stating: “Commendable they didn’t just send out a half-baked version and then charge us again for the finished product in November.”
While most reactions have been understanding, some have noted that the pressure is now on Football Manager 2026 to deliver a significant step forward for the franchise.
“Is this the right decision? Yes. Will there be massive pressure on FM26 to deliver on a lot of things now? Also yes,” one user commented.
No updated database for FM24, refunds available for FM25
In addition to FM25’s cancellation, Sports Interactive has confirmed that there will be no updated squads or database for Football Manager 2024, despite some fans requesting a final roster update to reflect recent transfers.
The studio stated that diverting resources to FM24 would take away focus from making FM26 as strong as possible.
Those who pre-ordered FM25 are eligible for full refunds, with details available on the game’s website.
The studio has promised to provide further updates on FM26’s progress later this year, as it aims to deliver “the biggest technical and visual advancement in the series for a generation.”
