EA Sports Replaces Controversial FIFA Commentator

EA Sports has parted ways with former color commentator Andy Grey, who was sacked by Sky Sports earlier this year for making a series of sexist comments.

Apparently Grey's long-standing relationship with EA Sports, which started in FIFA 97, couldn't keep him gainfully employed. In his place, former England player and current Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith is joining the booth with play-by-play man Martin Tyler.

“The natural chemistry that Martin and I have developed working live matches for TV has transferred very well to the virtual broadcast booth,” Smith said in a press release. “I’m really looking forward to FIFA fans hearing our work this fall as we bring all the match day emotion and excitement to this year’s game.”

In addition to the color commentary swap, EA Canada is adding a second broadcasting team for tournament games for FIFA 12. Clive Tyldesley and Andy Townsend will call the big matches to give them an additional air of importance. Play-by-play man Tyldesley is no stranger to the series, having worked with Andy Grey in FIFA 06 and 07. If you end up preferring one team over the other, you can set them as the default for any matches.

FIFA 12 hits the pitch on September 27.