ESL Bans Russian Teams But Will Allow Russian Players To Compete "Without Representing Their Country"
The world's first official esports league, the ESL, will bar teams affiliated with the Russian government from competing in all future tournaments. A statement released today also condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the strongest terms and indefinitely delayed all competitions in the CIS Region.
"We are all shocked and saddened by the Russian invasion into Ukraine and hope for a swift and peaceful resolution," read the ESL's statement. "After monitoring the situation, we are now putting an initial set of actions in place."
Related: Here Are Ukrainian Video Game Studios You Can Support Right Now
First, the ESL will donate to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, will provide paid time off for employees to volunteer for humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine, and also provide paid time off for all employees affected by the war.
Second, the ESL will bar all teams affiliated with the Russian government from competing in all future competitions until further notice. Russian players are still able to compete, but they're not allowed to represent their country or receive support from any organizations with ties to the Russian government.
"On the upcoming ESL Pro League, we made the decision that organizations with apparent ties to the Russian government, including individuals or organizations under alleged or confirmed EU sanctions related to the conflict, will not be allowed to be represented (currently we identified two teams - Virtus.pro and Gambit)," the ESL wrote.
"We recognize that players are not complicit with this situation, and we do not think it is in the spirit of esports to impose sanctions on individual players. The Virtus.pro and Gambit players are therefore welcome to compete under a
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