By Sagar V. Mankar 
Sports Interactive and Sega have announced the cancellation of the highly anticipated Football Manager 25 (FM25), which was scheduled for release in March 2025. This decision follows multiple delays and extensive internal discussions aimed at delivering a high-quality gaming experience.
Originally slated for a November 2024 launch, FM25 faced its first postponement to March 2025. Despite these adjustments, the development team encountered “unforeseen challenges” that hindered the game’s progress. In an official statement, Sports Interactive explained that while significant advancements were made, the overall player experience and interface did not meet their high standards. They emphasized that releasing the game in its current state would not align with their commitment to quality.
Sports Interactive also considered several alternatives before making this difficult decision. They could have “released FM25 in its current state and implemented fixes later,” but the studio felt this approach would compromise their commitment to quality. Additionally, pushing the release date beyond March would have created an awkward situation where two Football Manager games would need to be released in the same calendar year.
For fans who pre-ordered FM25, the developer has confirmed that full refunds will be automatically processed through official Sega-approved retailers. The studio has also addressed questions about potential updates to Football Manager 24 (FM24), stating that no seasonal data updates will be provided as this would divert resources from their next project.
Looking ahead, the development team is redirecting its efforts toward the next installment in the Football Manager series. “Through the cancellation, every effort is now focused on ensuring that our next release achieves our goal and hits the quality level we all expect,” the statement revealed.
The Football Manager series, which debuted in 2004, has allowed players to immerse themselves in the role of a football club manager, handling various responsibilities from team selection to financial management.