The Continental League administration has confirmed that team ROX and Vega Squadron players have committed a breach of the Continental League official rules and of the Summoner’s Code on the 16th and the 17th of February, respectively. An investigation of these incidents determined the severity of these infractions, and ruled as follows.
Offences and LCL’s guiding regulations
ROX’s offence:
In a game against Vaevictis, team ROX banned 5 support champions during the pick/ban process. Although it is not technically against the rules, both Riot Games and the broader League of Legends community took this as a sign of disrespect towards the Vaevictis Esports team.
The LCL’s guiding regulation:
10.2.4 Discrimination and Denigration. Team Members may not offend the dignity or integrity of a country, private person or group of people through contemptuous, discriminatory or denigrating words or actions on account of race, skin color, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, financial status, birth or any other status, sexual orientation or any other reason.
Vega Squadron’s Offence:
While playing against Vaevictis Esports, players from Vega Squadron intentionally stretched out the match, which is unsportsmanlike behavior.
The LCL’s guiding regulation:
10.1.1.2 Competitive Integrity. Teams are expected to play at their best at all times within any LCL game, and to avoid any behavior inconsistent with the principles of good sportsmanship, honesty, or fair play. For the purpose of clarification, team composition and the pick/ban phase will not be considered when determining whether this rule has been violated.
Verdict
Riot Games considers gender discrimination—and any other kind or discrimination—completely unacceptable, and expects no less from all players of the LCL who are to demonstrate competitive integrity and respect towards their opponents. ROX and Vega Squadron’s egregious behavior violated the guiding regulations of LCL, as well as paragraph nine of theSummoner’s Code.
Warnings were issued to ROX and Vega Squadron organizations, which means that their punishment will be more severe in case of repeated infractions. We preventively warned other organizations that any discriminative behavior is unacceptable and will be penalized by administration. We hope that these measures will inform players of the gravity of the situation and motivate them to improve their behavior.
