League of Legends Pros Suspended for Alleged Match Fixing
League of Legends pros Jungler Wen “Kylin” Zheng and mid-laner Shuai “Odin” Wang have been suspended by Ultraliga, one of the most popular Eastern European League of Legends events and a part of the EMEA Masters circuit.
Both are alleged to have been involved in match fixing. It is not immediately clear what, if any, impact this might have on bets taken on this event.
Ultraliga issued the following statement pertaining to the suspensions:
"In light of the events that occurred during yesterday's match between Iron Wolves and Team ESCA Gaming, we have decided to suspend players Wen "kylin" Zheng and Shuai "Odin" Wang for the next two games. This suspension also results in forfeiting today's match against devils.one by default, as Iron Wolves do not have players to fill their spots. This is the maximum penalty we as a league can impose on players.
"In the opinion of the judges and league representatives, the performance of "kylin" and "Odin" in yesterday's match violated Section 17.1.1. of the ERL (EMEA Regional League) regulations, which states: "Teams are expected to play at their best at all times within any League Match, and to avoid any behavior that potentially threatens the actual or perceived integrity of competition or that is otherwise inconsistent with the principles of good sportsmanship, honesty, or fair play."
"The league, in cooperation with Riot Games and Sportradar, is concurrently conducting an investigation to determine if there was potential match manipulation involved by the individuals. We will inform you about our joint findings as soon as we make a ruling.
"We also want to emphasize that the ongoing investigations do not currently involve other members of the Iron Wolves organization, who are in constant contact with us and, like us, are keen on clarifying this sit6uation. The decision to suspend "kylin" and "Odin" and to forfeit the match against devils.one was made in consultation with representatives of the Iron Wolves organization."
The suspension could be prolonged or other penalties handed down based on Riot Games and Sportradar's findings.
- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com
