Manchester United and Sega have ended their dispute over the former's team name which will no longer be used in the Football Manager series going forward.
Who exactly owns what when it comes to using real teams and players in sports sim video games is a tricky business. In the football world, games like FIFA and Football Manager have been allowed to use real team names and players, and in most cases even badges and kits.
However, clubs and individuals questioning that use is becoming more and more common. The most recent example is the disagreement between Manchester United and Sega, the studio behind the long-running Football Manager series. Sega believes it should be able to use the name Manchester United without the Red Devils' permission. The powers-that-be at United think otherwise.
RELATED: FIFA Makes Enough From Ultimate Team To Follow eFootball's Lead
With legal action looming, the issue has now been resolved. As revealed via a tweet from the official Football Manager account, Manchester United will no longer be a part of the series starting with Football Manager 22. They will instead be referred to as Manchester UFC or Man UFC. The names of the players will presumably remain a part of the game as the team name was the only element being disputed.
Even though Sega appears to be the loser here, the agreement reached between the two parties doesn't mean the developer has admitted it's in the wrong. Sega's removal of the Manchester United name from future Football Manager titles is effectively a gesture of goodwill. Sega still believes it has the right to use Manchester United's name in its games without permission but has agreed not to so everyone can move on with their lives.
FIFA has been encountering similar problems in recent years, most notably in Serie A. More and more Italian teams are neglecting to give FIFA licensing rights, with Atalanta being the most recent team to do so. The side joins Juventus and Roma, both of which have already been replaced by fictional alternatives with similar names, crests, and kits. Napoli will also join its fellow Italian sides away from the FIFA limelight once its current deal expires.
NEXT: One Year On, Fall Guys Has A Serious Chance At Redemption
