Football Manager 2023’s PS5 version has suffered a last-minute delay

Sega blames “unforeseen complications” during the submissions and approvals process

Sega has delayed the PlayStation 5 version of Football Manager 2023 less than a week before its planned release.

In a press release, the game’s publisher said the delay was “due to unforeseen complications which have arisen during the submissions and approvals process”.

While it’s still planning to release the game for PS5 as soon as possible, the company is cancelling pre-orders made through the PlayStation Store and will be refunding customers.

“We’re devastated by this outcome, which we have worked tirelessly with our partners for a number of weeks to try to address,” said Miles Jacobson, studio director at developer Sports Interactive.

“It was especially difficult to make the decision to delay, as it involves holding back a great game which a number of talented people within SI have worked tremendously hard on for quite some time.

“We will continue to do everything in our power to get this game into the hands of PS5 gamers as soon as we can.”

The PS5 version’s release was set to mark the long-running franchise’s debut on a home PlayStation console (the series previously appeared on PSP and Vita).