Gerry Palmers Games 03.02.2022 23:Mar PM EST

ESL Bars Esports Organizations, Individuals with Ties to Russian Government From Competing in Pro League Events

Esports operator ESL has barred groups with "apparent ties to the Russian government" to its Pro League events as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The suspension includes organizations and individuals part of the alleged and confirmed European Union sanctions related to the Ukranian conflict. In addition, all ESL events set to be held in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, have also been cancelled, PC Gamer reported.

As such, two organizations, Virtus.pro and Gambit, have been suspended from ESL activities. However, ESL noted that individual players part of these groups are not "complicit with the situation" and as such, will not be sanctioned, Eurogamer noted in a report. They will instead be allowed to compete in ESL events under a "neutral name" and not representing their respective countries, organizations or team sponsors.

Virtus.pro, Gambit Deplore Politics in Esports

Virtus.pro and Gambit have yet to respond to the suspension. However, Virtus.pro alleged in a statement charging they are being threatened with disqualification from the "Gamers Galaxy: Dota 2" International Series Dubai 2022 if the group did not condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine or rejected to renounce their tags and jerseys, or compete under a particular club or country, PC Gamer further stated in its report. Virtus.pro blamed the Ukranians for compelling ESL to initiate such action that would threaten and sabotage the event if they did not comply.

The group said Russian/CIS groups are "under a lot of pressure right now," accusing the ESL of "conducting a witch hunt". It has urged them to "not reflect on traditional sports, where politics run the show." Esports, it said, is "beautiful in its diversity," wherein players from different countries and of varying descent could compete under one tag, and territorial affiliations are only "measured in ping and timezones."

Virtus.pro declared it won't "fall for this intimidation." It further said their players will not take off their jerseys and vow to resist this pressure.

Gambit, for its part, said the group is "under a lot of pressure" and appealed to tournament organizers to "stay human in any situation" and called on their support "in this difficult moment" and not taint esports with politics, and instead have mutual respect and support. The group said it stands for peace.

ESL Move Latest in Global Action vs Russia Over Ukraine Invasion

ESL's decision is the latest in a series of actions that seek to isolate Russia from the rest of the world, including the videogame ecosystem. It is a result of Ukrainian deputy prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov called on game developers and esports platforms to cease business ties with Russian entities, and Electronic Arts' decision to cut Russian teams off its FIFA and NHL games.

Game studios have also expressed their condemnation against Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and have reached out to affected victims for aid.

In a statement, the ESL expressed sadness and shock with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and hoped for a "swift and peaceful resolution" to the conflict. It announced that after monitoring the situation, ESL said it intends to support the affected people with donations to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and paid leaves for employees wanting to volunteer for humanitarian efforts and staff directly suffering from the conflict.