One of the biggest scandals ever has hit the FIFA franchise and EA after an employee allegedly sold FUT Ultimate Team cards for thousands of pounds.

The scandal began going viral when unverified direct messages on WhatsApp appear to show a company employee selling Icon cards in packages priced €750-€1000 euros. One screenshot even shows Prime Icon Moments cards being offered for a whopping €1700 euros.

#EAGATE

A special thanks to @RiberaRibell for the picture , he did an amazing work??
(continue in the comments)#fut #fifa pic.twitter.com/bJIg2rpWtI

— Arcade-Fut (@FutArcade) March 10, 2021

pic.twitter.com/DRsEAtAiqL

— Arcade-Fut (@FutArcade) March 10, 2021

So we grind/trade/open packs and can’t touch these PIM players but EA employees sell them to people secretly for $1,700?!?! LOL I respect the grind but my god… pic.twitter.com/CCnhjZbcgH

— Nick ?? (@Nick28T) March 10, 2021

Video proof?!? I mean this could just be an EA Dev though or an actual employee? Who knows anymore. It’s all allegations, let’s just hope EA makes a statement on this and stays honest with us. #FUT21 #FIFA21 pic.twitter.com/lzqGMDE5S3

— Nick ?? (@Nick28T) March 10, 2021

Icon cards are some of the rarest in FIFA Ultimate Team. They include legendary players such as Brazilian Ronaldo, Pele, Zinedine Zidane and Ruud Gullit. They’re also almost impossible to obtain through the game’s controversial loot boxes.

EAGate is now trending on Twitter, as this perpetuates a corrupt and unfair situation for other players. EA has since responded to the allegations, confirming that they have launched an investigation.

“We are aware of the allegations currently circulating within our community related to FIFA 21 Ultimate Team items.

A thorough investigation is underway, and if we identify improper conduct, we will take swift action.

We want to be clear – this type of behaviour is unacceptable, and we in no way condone what is alleged to have happened here.

We understand how this creates concern about unfair balance in the game and competition.

We will update the community as we get more clarity on the situation.”

pic.twitter.com/DtclTPandl

— EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) March 10, 2021