EA Sports has been issuing permanent bans to folks exploiting the FIFA 13 Ultimate Team web app, taking it temporarily offline for maintenance earlier, before sorting the issue and bringing the service back online recently. Some unscrupulous types had been illegitimately gaining access to restricted packs of football players cards with the likes of Messi and Ronaldo in said packs, before selling them on for profit.

"Yesterday, a very small number of users attempted to gain an unfair advantage on the FUT web app. The FUT13 Web App had to be taken offline to be stabilised and ensure a level playing field for all FUT users," EA announced through its FIFA 13 Twitter feed. "Permanent bans for FIFA 13 FUT have been served to all users who attempted to gain an unfair advantage. Thanks for your patience while we create the best experience for all fans of FUT."

This is the second year running that the exploit has reared its ugly head, with the same thing happening to the FIFA 12 Ultimate Team. Furthermore, the exploit could have a lasting impact on FIFA 13's Ultimate Team economy despite the perma-bans that have been issued, as the players from the restricted packs that have been sold on will remain in the game.

We'll simply have to find out how the exploit will impact FIFA 13 when it release on September 25th in North America and September 28th in Europe.

[Via Eurogamer]