Sorry Van the Man, with all due respect, That's what I call BS.... I think the gameplay did come closer to real lifetime gameplay throughout the years. And the always expanding features of the game makes the game more challenging. I was kind of fed up with the fact that it was to easy to win a game around the millenium-change; from 99 untill 02 the game felt horrific. Ever since 2003 the game did slightly improve again, with 2006 being the first one to compete with the legendary '98 version, which I still play to date.
But I wouldn't be surprised if EA would lose some licenses. Allthough I do think the chances are little it will happen. The competition with licenses with other games is becoming more hectic. I think the thought at EA goes the other way around: They make so many games, I don't think they are to worried about gaining or losing some licences. And even if, they'll try and sign a deal with UEFA instead of FIFA or with the national FA's. So I can't see the problem here. As long as they'll finally come to terms with the Dutch KNVB and add an official version of the Dutch Orange squad.
D.