EA Sports FC fans are being banned "en masse" ahead of EA FC 27's launch, with many reporting permanent account suspensions that block access to past, current, and future titles. The crackdown appears to target players using external tools, just weeks before the next game arrives.
Permanent bans across all titles
Dozens of players have taken to social media to report being barred from EA FC 26 for "cheating." However, the suspensions extend beyond EA FC 26 or EA FC 27. Those affected are told they can no longer access "any past, current or future" EA Sports FC titles, including legacy EA Sports FIFA titles, and the bans completely lock out EA accounts from gaming.
An email from EA's Gameplay Integrity team reads: "We noticed that your account was involved with cheating while EA Sports FC was being played, which breaks our rules. Your account has been banned from EA Sports FC online access."
The email adds: "Using software or exploits to cheat at the game is against the rules. Cheating can include but isn't limited to using external tools, using modified clients, modifying game data, or abusing in-game glitches or bugs."
Why are accounts being banned?
Most of those complaining online mention using external tools like FUT Genie or PaleTools to assist with trading and Squad Building Challenges (SBCs). Many of these tools work as browser extensions alongside the official FC Ultimate Team Web App. Players have been warned that using such tools violates the terms of service (ToS) agreed upon when signing up for an EA account.
Prominent streamers and insiders have warned followers to avoid these extensions and tools for the time being, or risk missing out on EA FC 27. Many fans on Reddit and X, formerly Twitter, have spoken out about their experiences and criticised the move.
Community reaction and concerns
One Redditor said: "I think you should have got a warning and if you continued received a temporary ban, but it’s a worry for people doing SBCs the normal way who are just good at brute forcing them. I’ve had limits just for flipping anchors too, so even staying within their TOS is a mess."
Another added: "It’s not escaped my attention they’ve done this just after taking money from preorders and people have locked themselves out of refunds for 27 by using the FC26 welcome gifts already." A third said: "This is exactly why EA’s ban system needs serious scrutiny."
There is a major difference between someone admitting to using a third-party tool and a legitimate player who trades manually and is accused of coin distribution. If wrongful bans are happening, EA needs to explain how its detection separates cheating, coin transfers, and automated activity from legitimate player behavior.
