There will be no Iceland in FIFA 17.
In a move that will disappoint millions of football fans after their heroic displays in the European Championships in France this summer, the Icelandic national football association (KSI) has said that they refused the offer from Electronic Arts, the game's developers, to be included in the game.
This was, the KSI say, because EA's offer of US$15,000 to Iceland to be included in the game was simply insufficient. "They almost want it for free", president Geir Thorsteinsson is quoted as saying.
The EA fee includes image rights and use of trademarks.
Thorsteinsson accused EA of not acting in a "fair and open manner" and described the result of the negotiations as "sad for the players" involved with the national side.
Somewhat controversially, perhaps, the 'Thunder Clap' made famous by the Iceland fans in France is set to be included in the game despite the absence of its creators.
The Iceland team attracted much love and affection during the summer because of their excellent performances on the pitch, drawing with Portugal and beating England, and their charismatic and enthusiastic fan base, which became famous for the aforementioned 'Clap'.
Their performances came despite having an overall population of around 300,000 and a goalkeeper who until the tournament was probably better known for his skills in directing music videos than his achievements as a footballer. Hannes Þór Halldórsson directed the video for his country's entry to the Eurovision song contest in 2012.
Also notable about the nation was the enthusiasm of their commentators - something that encapsulated the joy the football side brought to their nation.
What a pity, then, that FIFA users all over the world won't be able to be Icelandic for a few hours.
