Football Manager director Miles Jacobson feels that they have made a huge “statement” by acquiring a UEFA licence for FM23.

The news was greeted with shock and awe by fans of the long-running management simulation, as the game has had to feature unofficial representations of the Champions League, the Europa League, and the Europa Conference League in previous games.

That is no longer the case on FM23, with the three competitions, as well as the Super Cup, all faithfully represented in the game.

We at GiveMeSport sat down with Miles to talk about all things Football Manager and he gave us the lowdown on what having the licence means for the franchise.

Indeed, he has even admitted that he feels he and the team have gone “overboard” on ensuring the Champions League and other European competitions feel special within the game.

The game is now officially out on November 8th so players can dive into the game and play in the Champions League themselves!

Jacobson reveals all on the Champions League licence

Champions League trophy

LISBON, PORTUGAL - AUGUST 23: A detail view of the Champions League Trophy prior to the UEFA Champions League Final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on August 23, 2020 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Miguel A. Lopes/Pool via Getty Images)

For those who have been wondering, Miles has confirmed that the Champions League music is, indeed, in the game.

And that isn’t all.

There is also the official ball of each competition within the match engine, and all of the relevant broadcast graphics for the draws, as SI have worked closely with UEFA to ensure the game is as realistic as possible.

The key, he says, is to ensure that qualifying for a big European competition feels particularly special for every manager in the game.

Read More: Football Manager 2023: Release Date, Trailer and Everything We Know So Far

Speaking exclusively to GMS, he said: “I think it's a huge thing for us and it's a big statement as well. We’ve been talking to UEFA for a while. And to be frank, I didn't think it was going to happen. But they've been brilliant to work with and I really want us to try and make it as authentic as possible.

“We've got the music for all three competitions as well.

“During the cup draws, because we've revamped cup draws as well as part of this feature, so that again, they look like they do in real life. So if you're watching the Europa Conference League draw, it's using the Europa Conference League font. It's got all the broadcast graphics that are there, it has people commenting along with the draw, giving you information about the different teams. So it's educational, as well.

Read More: Football Manager 2023: How will UEFA licencing work in the new game?

“And then when you get to the match, and the teams are coming out, and in the Champions League, you've got the star ball out there on the pitch. And, you know, as the team's walk out, again, walking out to the music. But it even goes as far as having the tournament footballs there, which aren't necessarily something you're going to really see in the match as much because of our zoomed-out view but you can tell that the ball is different.

“One of the reasons why we wanted the licence is when you get to one of those competitions, it should feel special. It might not feel that special for clubs that are in there every season but there are a lot of Football Manager players who play as smaller teams with the dream to get into those competitions. The first time you get into one, it should feel like you've really achieved something and that's one of the reasons why we've gone overboard with how we've reflected it in-game. I'm really happy about that.

"The work that the team have done and working with UEFA as well is, is really special in making sure that UEFA are happy with the way that everything looks in-game.”


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