SEGA and Sports Interactive have announced a delay for Football Manager 25, pushing its release from the previously planned 26 November date to March 2025. The game will still be available across PS5, Xbox Series, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, and Android, with specific platform release dates to be confirmed later.

In an official update, Sports Interactive explained the reasons behind the delay. Despite their team’s hard work and a previous postponement announced in September, more time is needed to meet both fans’ expectations and the studio’s high standards. The studio acknowledged that development has been more challenging than anticipated, with progress slower than initially planned. This tight timeline led to concerns about rushing the game and compromising its quality, something the team was determined to avoid.

Football Manager 25 marks the most significant technical and visual leap the series has seen in years, and rushing it would undermine this important milestone. While none of the team expected to be in this position so close to the original launch, they felt it was essential to delay the game in order to deliver a product they can be proud of.

For those who have already pre-ordered, refunds are available through retailers if desired. Additionally, early access for PC and Mac will still be offered ahead of the new release date, with further details to come. A new gameplay reveal is now scheduled for the end of January 2025.

Sports Interactive and SEGA expressed their deep regret over the disappointment this may cause, emphasizing their shared frustration. They thanked fans for their ongoing support and patience as they work to usher in a new era for Football Manager.