Bringing back budget increase requests could breathe new life into FC 26 Coins FC 26’s Manager Career Mode. It’s a small change on paper, but its impact on realism and player agency would be massive. With Football Manager 25 gone, EA has a rare opportunity to capture fans seeking tactical depth and immersive management. Starting with thoughtful features like this one would go a long way.
Why FC 26 Must Revive Budget Increase Requests to Match Football Manager’s Depth
The surprise cancellation of Football Manager 25 has left a significant gap in the football management sim market. For years, FM offered the most in-depth and realistic manager experience, giving fans the power to live out their footballing dreams. With FM 25 out of the picture, all eyes are now on EA Sports FC 26. This presents an opportunity—but only if EA is willing to revamp its Career Mode in meaningful ways.
One such way is by reviving an old favorite: the ability to request a budget increase from the board.
Remembering FIFA 15 & 16’s Board Request Feature
Back in FIFA 15 and FIFA 16, managers had a crucial tool at their disposal: they could formally request a transfer budget increase in exchange for delivering on specific goals. This mechanic helped simulate the high-stakes nature of managing a football club. Want more funds? Prove your ambition by promising a top-four finish or a deep cup run. It was a system that mimicked real-life boardroom negotiations and added genuine pressure to the managerial role.
Unfortunately, this feature vanished when FIFA transitioned to EA Sports FC. FC 24 and FC 25 offered static budgets with little flexibility, leaving players unable to pivot strategy when injuries or opportunities arose.
What Football Manager Did Right
In Football Manager, the board dynamics are nuanced. Managers can ask for additional funds, facility upgrades, or scouting expansions—and the board might reject or approve these requests based on EAFC 26 Coins finances, trust, and performance. These interactions add realism and strategic depth.
