NAVI removes Boombl4 from active CS: GO roster, citing "high reputational risks"

sportskeeda.com:

Kirill "Boombl4" Mikhaylov, the brains behind Natus Vincere's iconic PGL Major Stockholm 2021 victory, was removed from the organization's active CS: GO roster.

Earlier today, Natus Vincere officially announced Boombl4's departure, stating "high reputational risks" as the cause for their actions. NAVI also indicated that their decision was not a result of Boombl4's in-game performance.

Boombl4 started his tenure at NAVI in 2019, serving as the team's in-game leader for over two years. Over three years with the organization, he has celebrated several title victories, including the IEM Grand Slam Season 3, Blast World Final 2021, and most notably, a CS: GO Major.

Being a Ukrainian organization, NAVI and its players were affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Earlier in March, the organization's CEO had stated that they were not willing to work with Russian players who reside in Russia.

Natus Vincere's CS: GO roster comprised two players from Ukraine and three from Russia, including Boombl4. However, Boombl4, along with electronic and Perfecto, agreed to relocate, as per Yevhen "HarisPilton" Zolotarov's statements in an interview with The Washington Post.

It is unclear if Boombl4 changed his decision to relocate. However, his recent social media comments did spark uncertainty over his future at NAVI.

Prior to the commencement of the PGL Major Antwerp 2022, Boombl4 stated in a social media post:

Boombl4 has publicly advocated for peace several times since the Russian invasion started. However, his wife Lika has been under the spotlight for actions that indicate her support for Russia.

Being a Ukrainian organization with strict policies against Russians, NAVI may have considered this a cause for their decision.

Lika has been a proud