Working as an analyst for Fox Sports, van Basten used the term “sieg heil” on air after interviewing a German coach. The German phrase means “hail victory” but is notorious for its use at Nazi rallies. He was suspended one week from the network for the remark and van Basten apologized, saying it was “stupid and inappropriate” to make that comment.
EA Sports also took action by removing van Basten from its Ultimate Team series. Van Basten has three Icon cards in the game for the different stages in his career, but all are no longer available in the game. Eurogamer captured a screenshot of the message gamers will see in-game.
The message reads:
EA’s use of the term “suspend” seems to indicate van Basten will return to the game at some point, although it’s not clear when.
Van Basten is a former Netherlands National team player and manager. He won FIFA World Player of the Year in 1992 and has won the Ballon d’Or three times.
