The latest edition of EA Sports’ renowned football simulation, FC 24, has once again thrust Celtic Football Club into the spotlight, both for their in-game representation and for a growing controversy in the online gaming community: FUT Champs boosting.
Celtic’s In-Game Representation
Celtic is of course Scotland’s most prestigious football club and has as you expect a strong presence in FC 24. The game, which mirrors real-life football dynamics, offers players an opportunity to control the team in various modes, including Career Mode, Kick-Off, and Ultimate Team.
In FC 24, Celtic’s squad boasts several key players whose ratings have generated considerable discussion. Star players like Kyogo Furuhashi and Callum McGregor feature prominently, reflecting their leading roles in Celtic’s real-world success. The squad’s overall ratings balance well with their on-field performance, offering a compelling experience for Celtic supporters.
However, some Celtic fans have voiced their dissatisfaction with what they perceive as underrated player ratings.
Particularly, the rating of Reo Hatate, a standout performer in recent seasons, has sparked debate. Critics argue that his contributions have not been adequately recognised in the game, an issue that mirrors the broader discussion around how certain leagues and teams are represented in the global football landscape.
The Controversy: FUT Champs Boosting
While Celtic’s representation in FC 24 is generally well-received, a more contentious issue has emerged within the online community is FUT Champs boosting.
FUT Champs, a mode within FC 24’s Ultimate Team, is a highly competitive weekend league where players vie for in-game rewards based on their performance. The more victories a player accumulates, the better the rewards, which range from coins to player packs that can significantly enhance a team’s strength.
However, the practice of FUT Champs boosting has become a growing concern. This involves players collaborating with others to artificially inflate their win records, often by pre-arranging matches to ensure one side intentionally loses. The result is a manipulated ranking system that undermines the competitive integrity of the game.
Celtic’s in-game players have been indirectly affected by this practice. High-demand players from the squad, like Furuhashi and former star Jota, have been used in boosting schemes due to their popularity and effectiveness in-game. This has led to a spike in the prices of these players on the in-game transfer market, making it harder for regular players to acquire them without resorting to real-money purchases or extensive grinding.
EA Sports’ Response
EA Sports has been actively monitoring the situation and has taken steps to counteract FUT Champs boosting. Their efforts include banning accounts caught engaging in such activities and implementing stricter matchmaking algorithms to make it harder for players to exploit the system.
In a recent statement, EA Sports acknowledged the issue, stating, “We are committed to ensuring a fair and competitive environment in FUT Champs. We have zero tolerance for cheating or manipulating the game, and we will continue to refine our systems to uphold the integrity of FC 24.”
The Community’s Take
The FC 24 community remains divided on how to address FUT Champs boosting. While many applaud EA Sports for their crackdown, others argue that the root cause lies in the highly competitive nature of FUT Champs itself, which incentivises extreme measures to secure top rewards.
For Celtic supporters, this issue has added a layer of complexity to their experience with FC 24. While the club’s representation in the game is generally strong, the impact of FUT Champs boosting on player accessibility has left some feeling frustrated.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Celtic’s presence in FC 24 is significant, but it also highlights broader challenges within the game’s ecosystem that EA Sports will need to address as the season progresses.
