SBTC Esports Axed from Riot Games Tournaments Amidst Scandal

In a shocking turn of events, SBTC Esports, a prominent Vietnamese League of Legends (LoL) team, has been banned from all Vietnamese Championship Series (VCS) tournaments. The ban comes in light of allegations regarding unpaid player salaries and involvement in match-fixing.

VCS Drops the Hammer on SBTC Esports

The VCS’ official statement, translated, states: “Following the investigation into the violations by SBTC Esports, the team has been disqualified from all VCS tournaments due to grave breaches of regulations.” This announcement was made public by BTC VCS Dusk, the official tournament organizer of the VCS.

Owner and Players Hit with Bans

Trần Đức Cường, the owner of SBTC Esports, faces a permanent ban from all Riot Games tournaments. Moreover, several team players, including Trần “Nper” Đình Tuấn, Đỗ “DNK” Ngọc Khải, Lê “Dia1” Phú Quý, Lê “Vinboiz” Trần Quang Vinh, and Nguyễn “Penguin” Đăng Khoa, have been handed 36-month bans.

No Selling Rights for SBTC

The statement further clarifies, “SBTC Esports is prohibited from any VCS-related activities in the future, whether it’s participation, ownership, or transferring competition positions in the VCS system.” This implies that SBTC Esports is also barred from selling their league spot to any other teams.

This decision follows closely on the heels of an investigation initiated by the VCS into an unspecified rule violation by SBTC, which had led to the team’s indefinite disqualification and suspension.

Initial Sanctions and Exonerations

The initial sanctions had also named former SBTC Esports Support Nguyen “Palette” Hai Trung, coach Thanh Luan “Naul” Boxing, and Tran “HYPE” Huu Toan. However, post preliminary investigations, all three were exonerated. Palette subsequently became a free agent on 4 August and was signed by GAM Esports.

Allegations Surface from Multiple Quarters

While the official announcement did not delve into the specifics of the allegations, various Vietnamese news outlets, including KTGame, have cited issues with the organization’s payment of player salaries and involvement in match-fixing. Vietnam Posts English also reported that Palette, during a live stream, claimed he was unjustly removed from the team and that his salary remained unpaid. He further alleged that the team had hired an inexperienced coach.

SBTC Players Respond on Social Media

Several SBTC players took to social media to voice their concerns and share their side of the story.

Vinboiz, in a Facebook post, claimed he sought evidence against the allegations but received none from the organizers, BTC. Similarly, top laner Nper stated that BTC informed them that the allegations were unrelated to their 25 June match against GAM. Nper also echoed Vinboiz’s sentiments, stating that BTC failed to provide any evidence when asked.

VCS Playoffs Continue Amidst Controversy

The VCS Dusk playoffs are currently underway and are set to conclude on 9 September. The winners will secure their spots in the LoL World Championship 2023.

Via Yahoo! News