Riot Games has finally responded.
Over the last 24 hours, both MSI 2021 and Riot Games have caught some flak from the LoL community after it changed the scheduling for the Knockout Stages. They have since responded with an official statement on the matter.
You can find the official statement below:
Traditionally, teams that placed first during the group stages - in this case, the Rumble Stage - would play their match on a Friday, giving them an additional day's rest if they did indeed win their semifinal match. And coincidentally, teams that play the first semifinal match usually go on to win MSI, which has been a prevalent theme for the past few years.
This time, however, Riot Games had decided to change things up thanks to the ongoing pandemic. This is down to the COVID-19 travel protocols for 
Royal Never Give Up from China as it clashes with MSI's scheduling. Given that the Chinese government requires an IgM antibody blood test within 48 hours prior to departing, that would mean that RNG would have to get tested on a Saturday, which was the original date for their match against 
PSG Talon.
Seeing as how this would be a logistical nightmare for both the team and tournament organisers, a decision was made to switch the dates for both matches. Of course, this means that 
DWG KIA got the short end of the deal in their match against 
MAD Lions, now slated to start on Saturday, 22 May instead.
Of course, this does make for grim reading if you're a MAD or DK fan. While it isn't at all confirmed that RNG or PSG will be winning MSI 2021, it does leave a sour taste in one's mouth, especially when you factor in DK's performances during the Rumble Stage and how hard they worked to get the number one seed.
MSI 2021 - Knockout Stage
As it stands, Royal Never Give Up will play PSG Talon tomorrow in a best-of-five series, followed by DWG KIA versus MAD Lions. Be sure to catch all the action live on Twitch.TV.
