News 30 October 2017
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Gay footballers to feature on ‘Football Manager’ for the first time

30 October 2017
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Gay footballers are set to feature on the Football Manager game for the first time in history.

With no openly gay footballers currently playing in Britain the game’s director hopes this will encourage players to come out.

Miles Jacobson said he “finds it weird” that being gay in football is an issue and wants to show people “that coming out isn’t a big deal” and “can be a positive thing”.

He added, “We know from the amount of professionals that there has to be players who are gay but feel they don’t want to come out.

“I just think it’s crazy that in 2017 we are in a world where people can’t be themselves.

“I do think it’s about time that footballers who are entertaining people around the world every week are actually allowed to be themselves rather than act as someone that they’re not.

“I look forward to the day where people who work in football feel 100% comfortable with who they are, whatever their sexuality.”

The players that come out in the game are fictional due to any legal ramifications that would occur if FM hinted at any real players being gay.

GRM Daily

In the latest edition of the game, due out November 10th, the players will let you know they are gay through your inbox.

Once that occurs, a club director will inform you the club’s income has increased due to new fans from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

In 2015 there were reports that two Premier League players were “ready to come out” however that did not materialise.

A recent survey, conducted by the BBC, revealed 82% of fans would have no issue with a gay player but 8% said they would stop watching their team.

Since its release in 1992, as Championship Manager, FM has sold more than 15million copies. The game has remained as realistic as possible, last year’s edition included soft and hard version of Brexit.