Blacklist Int'l ends ties with Lunatix, takes over MDL team

by Drew Malihan

MANILA - Blacklist International terminates their partnership with Malaysian organization Team Lunatix over multiple allegations regarding the welfare of their players in MDL Philippines.

This is after Spin.ph released an exclusive about the situation of Blacklist Academy LTX players, who are currently 0-6 in the regular season, being neglected by the said Malaysian organization.

"After going through an internal investigation, Blacklist International has decided to terminate our partnership with the Lunatix organization, effective immediately," Blacklist International said in their social media sites.

Blacklist International will also take over the operations of the MDL team for the rest of the season, their press release added.

In the Spin.ph article, Team Lunatix did not provide food and salaries for the players, as well as being kicked out of their supposed bootcamp in Bulacan days before MDL PH began, with the local staff, Blacklist International, and other organizations stepping up to aid the players.

Internal committee to check the case

MDL PH's internal committee also released their own statement regarding Blacklist Academy LTX's situation.

"We are aware of the situation concerning Blacklist Lunatix, and are currently investigating this issue," they said in a separate press release.

"All teams are encouraged to prioritize player welfare to ensure that they are given the best platform to pursue professional esports growth. MDL Philippines is a development league that seeks to provide a safe space and opportunity for players to thrive, and are reaching out to the affected parties accordingly," they added.

Not the first time

This is not the only time when Team Lunatix found themselves in hot water, even in their home country Malaysia.

The team was warned by the MPL Malaysia committee over the issues raised by Burmese players Hein "Kid" Thu and Kyaw "Z1PPY" Bo last August regarding their conditions in the bootcamp and staying in Malaysia in general, including e-visa and flight tickets.

Both parties were served official warnings from MPL MY and were required to fulfill all contract obligations.

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