Football Manager 25 has been cancelled after two delays

It's been dubbed the 'biggest mess in gaming history'

The news was confirmed by Sports Interactive, who told players they had made the 'difficult decision' to cancel the 2025 instalment of the game as it was 'too far away from the standards you deserve'.

Football Manager allows players to step into a football manager's shoes and guide their chosen team through season after season.

Sports Interactive had promised a number of updates to the game's visuals and interface in FM25, as well as introducing women's teams for the first time.

But after two delays they've now announced that the game will be cancelled.

In a lengthy statement Sports Interactive said: “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 and shift our focus to the next release.

“We know this will come as a huge disappointment, especially given that the release date has already moved twice, and you have been eagerly anticipating the first gameplay reveal. We can only apologise for the time it has taken to communicate this decision. Due to stakeholder compliance, including legal and financial regulations, today was the earliest date that we could issue this statement.

“We have always prided ourselves on delivering the best value for money games that bring you countless hours of enjoyment, that feel worth every moment and every penny you spend. With the launch of FM25 we set out to create the biggest technical and visual advancement in the series for a generation, laying the building blocks for a new era.

Fans who pre-ordered the game have been offered a full refund