Russian MPs accuse Fifa '17 video game of promoting gay propaganda

A screenshot from FIFA '15, a previous entry in the now apparently propaganda laden video game franchise.

It's one of the most successful video game franchises of all time, but the latest instalment of the FIFA franchise may be banned from Russia.

The Guardian reports that the inclusion of rainbow-coloured laces in FIFA '17 has earned the ire of Russian MPs.

The game, which is rated all ages, has sparked controversy after developer EA made it free for users to download rainbow laces last month. It was part of a campaign to combat homophobia and transphobia in football, set up by the English Premiere League.

The former Soviet Union introduced archaic law in 2013 that banned the discussion of "non-traditional" sexual relationships in content aimed at children, claiming it went against traditional family values.

A letter from MPs was sent to the communications oversight and state consumer protection agencies, according to Russian newspaper Izvestia.

"Every state has its internal laws and order; they need to be obeyed," United Russia MP and former Olympic figure skater Irina Rodnina told the paper, while Communist MP Valery Rashkin said that EA should be forced to change the game's code or age restrictions.

EA has not yet commented on the Russian comments, but did tweet to announce it had been named one of the best places to work for LGBTQ people.

EA is proud to be named by the Human Rights Campaign as one of the best places to work for LGBTQ employees. https://t.co/yFNmJ5VJCF pic.twitter.com/ReOhBmz7nm

— Electronic Arts (@EA) December 6, 2016

FIFA video games have been released annually since 1993. The games have reportedly sold over 100 million copies since then.

Russia, meanwhile, has faced numerous charges and been stripped of multiple medals for drug cheating, which is what an actual sports controversy looks like.