Because of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, esports players and teams from Russia and Belarus will no longer be permitted to compete in Apex Legends and FIFA 22 pro leagues, according to Electronic Arts.
“We continue to be shocked at the conflict that is unfolding in Ukraine and join so many voices around the world in calling for peace and an end to the invasion,” EA tweeted. “We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
“We have decided to remove Russia and Belarus as eligible countries in our esports programs. Effectively immediately, players and teams in Russia and Belarus are ineligible to participate in the Apex Legends Global Series and the EA Sports FIFA 22 Global Series.”
However, following the Olympics’ lead, ESL said that Russian teams and players would be allowed to compete under “neutral” names, with no team logos or national colors—a compromise that Virtus. pro eventually agreed to.
EA’s decision to exclude Russia and Belarus from its professional tournaments comes just two weeks after ESL disqualified Russian teams Virtus. pro and Gambit from season 15 of the ESL Pro League. Russian-based groups have also been banned by smaller pro league operators Blast and Elisa.
In a Rainbow Six Siege pro league announcement published, Ubisoft offered a similar offer.
“In light of the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine, all official competitions on our games portfolio in Russia, such as the Russian Major League on Rainbow Six Siege are suspended,” it tweeted. “Russian players will still be able to compete in regional and international competitions if they choose to, but will be required to compete under a neutral banner, and have accepted to do .
