The analytical Saudi pundit providing tactical context and smooth transitions.
: The commentary was included as a primary feature on the game's physical discs sold in the Middle East. Regional Cover Star : In the Middle East, the game cover featured Mustafa Al-Bassas alongside global cover star Lionel Messi
The to run FIFA 14 modifications on PC today.
This inclusion brought authentic terminology and the characteristic "passion" of Arab broadcasting to the digital pitch, including Shawali's famous goal celebrations and unique player descriptions.
's Arabic commentary was a major regional feature, providing a more immersive experience for Middle Eastern fans by featuring iconic voices from the Arab football world. fifa 14 arabic commentary exclusive
The Arabic version featured exclusive commentary by two of the region's most popular sports broadcasters: Essam El Shawali
In a café in Riyadh, a seventeen-year-old named Fahad loaded up Barcelona vs. PSG. As Neymar dribbled down the flank, the familiar, sterile voice of Martin Tyler was gone. In its place: “Al-kora ma’a Neymar… ya salam, ya latif, shu hadha al-sir’a??” (The ball with Neymar… oh my, oh gracious, what speed is this?!) Fahad dropped his controller. His friends cheered. Someone knocked over a shisha pipe.
FIFA 14 Arabic Commentary Exclusive: A Game-Changing Era for Arab Gamers
Before FIFA 14, Arab gamers often felt like an afterthought, playing with English or French commentary that didn't reflect the local "Sawt" (voice) of the game. This inclusion was more than just a menu option; it was a cultural validation. The analytical Saudi pundit providing tactical context and
Enrique’s commitment to resolving the issue in future iterations eventually bore fruit. In later titles, EA Sports experimented with a single commentator for Arabic, and in even more recent versions—such as FIFA 19 through FIFA 25—the Arabic commentary has been handled by Emirati commentator Faris Awad. However, for FIFA 14, the dual commentary remained a distinctive—if controversial—feature.
While the distribution method in FIFA 14 was controversial and restrictive, the success of the feature forced EA Sports to change its approach in subsequent titles.
For fans in the Middle East and North Africa, the future of FIFA looks bright, with a continued commitment to localization and cultural relevance. The Arabic commentary feature in FIFA 14 was just the beginning, and we can't wait to see what's next.
To understand the obsession, you have to understand the audio design. The is famous for three distinct features that no other FIFA—before or after—has fully replicated. It was loud
Compare the FIFA 14 commentary to recent, more advanced versions.
Because it was developed specifically for the MENA market, the commentary felt bespoke rather than a generic translation. Authenticity:
They even recorded lines specific to the players of that era. Hearing specific praise for the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, or even regional favorites added a layer of depth that the generic commentary of previous games lacked.
It also broke class barriers. In internet cafes across Cairo and Casablanca, you couldn't afford a next-gen console, but the PlayStation 2 version of FIFA 14 with the Arabic commentary was the king. It was loud, it was buggy, and it was perfect.