An Austrian court has ruledEA Sports’ popular FIFA packs as constituting a form of gambling and currently in violation of national law.
For those unaware, FIFA or ‘FUT’ Packs are a form of in-game microtransaction that features in the popular football sim’s Ultimate Team mode, where players build their dream squad and compete against other players online.
Despite being deemed not to be a form of gambling under UK law back in 2019, many parents and organisations remain concerned over the impact that these packs and other ‘loot boxes’ might be having on young people — i.e. encouraging children to gamble.
Now, after a significant ruling in Belgium back in May 2022 which brought loot boxes under national law, Austria has become the second European power to flag the practice as a form of gambling and an “illegal” one, at that. Loot boxes and microtransactions have been the subject of fierce debate for years.
With the likes of avid FIFA player turned YouTuber Jonathan Peniket having previously told the BBC how he blew more than £3,000 in university savings on FUT packs, even going on to make a video explaining how his addiction developed, his case is just one of many gone wrong.
ADVERTISEMENT
As per German outlet Games Wirtschaft, the court ruled that FIFA packs violated the country’s gambling laws and according to lawyer Ulrich Salburg, plaintiffs suing EA alleged that they had “gambled away” hundreds of euros on packs with uncertain monetary value, violating the Austrian Gaming Act.
According to the report, claims from players range from anywhere between €800 and €85,000 in the most extreme case and following the decision, Sony have been ordered to pay affected gamers around £299.35 in refunds while EA must clearly label FUT packs as “gambling games that require a license”.
It’s unclear whether FIFA packs sold via other gaming platforms will be examined and Sony can still appeal the decision. Neither Sony nor EA are yet to issue a statement regarding the ruling.
UK Parliament carried out a more detailed investigation into the loot boxes back in February and while they still do not fall under the Gambling Act of 2005, the House of Lords have been calling for loot boxes to be brought within the scope of the Gambling Commission since July 2020.
On the other hand, it has been reported that despite the Belgian ruling a few years back, the legislation still isn’t being properly enforced throughout the country and whether or not a crackdown in Britain will have the desired impact remains to be seen.
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Danny Jones -
11th March 2023 
