The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has announced a temporary suspension of the Russian esports team Team Senza (also known as Rosy), prohibiting them from participating in all ESIC member events and tournaments that adopt its integrity plan. The suspension is due to an ongoing investigation into multiple issues of suspected violations of the anti-corruption guidelines by the team, including the use of prohibited external information during matches, improper betting related to team matches, account sharing, and identity violations. ESIC emphasizes that the temporary suspension is only a provisional measure and does not represent a final determination of guilt. The involved players, coaches, and staff are currently being provided with a period to respond and submit materials.
Investigation Launch and Suspension Decision
The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) has taken temporary suspension measures against the Russian esports team Team Senza, which will prevent them from participating in all ESIC member events and tournaments that adopt its integrity plan. This suspension is a temporary decision during the investigation period and does not represent a final judgment on the team's conduct.
ESIC has officially notified the team's registered players, coaches, and staff about the suspension decision and has initiated the relevant investigation procedures.
Scope of Suspected Violations
The investigation primarily targets multiple potential violations, including the use of prohibited external information during matches, improper betting related to team matches, account sharing, and identity violations. These actions are suspected of violating ESIC's anti-corruption guidelines and code of conduct.
The investigation focuses on "potential improper betting related to team matches," which is directly related to the integrity risks in the esports betting domain.
Team Background and Participation
Team Senza is a Russian esports team primarily involved in games like Rocket League. The team had operated under different names before being acquired by SENZA Esports last year and has a certain reputation in the esports circle.
The team mainly participates in various esports competitions, with Rocket League being their key event, where they have competitive strength.
Investigation Procedures and Response Rights
ESIC states that it will provide all parties involved with the opportunity to respond, and the affected players and staff can submit the required information and materials within the specified time. The investigation procedure emphasizes procedural fairness, ensuring that all parties have the right to defend themselves.
The specific timetable for the final ruling of the investigation has not yet been announced, but ESIC promises to release a public statement explaining the investigation results at an appropriate time.
Industry Impact and Regulatory Significance
Esports betting has shown rapid growth in recent years, especially popular among Generation Z. This suspension event highlights the esports industry's high attention to integrity issues and reflects the necessity of industry regulatory construction.
Industry experts point out that esports offers players more frequent betting opportunities compared to traditional sports, which also increases the complexity and importance of industry regulation.
Punishment Authority and Scope of Application
ESIC's suspension decision is not an absolute ban, mainly targeting member units and event organizers that adopt its integrity plan. These organizations are obligated to comply with ESIC's suspension decision to ensure the effectiveness of the event integrity system.
During the suspension period, the affected team will not be able to participate in major events governed by ESIC's standards, but they may still participate in other competitions that do not adopt the integrity plan.
Investigation Standards and Evidence Collection
ESIC states that it will conduct the investigation according to established standards, focusing on collecting evidence related to the suspected violations. The investigation process will strictly adhere to procedural regulations to ensure the objectivity and fairness of the investigation conclusions.
The committee has not disclosed the specific timing of the investigation evidence collection but emphasizes that it will thoroughly clarify the relevant facts.
Industry Cooperation and Regulatory Development
Earlier this week, ESIC announced that the betting company Betby has become its latest Tier 1 anti-corruption partner, showing a trend of strengthened cooperation among industry organizations. Such cooperation helps enhance the overall integrity level of the esports industry.
As the esports industry expands, industry regulation and integrity construction are increasingly valued by all parties, and the related rule systems are also continuously being perfected.
Follow-up Handling and Possible Outcomes
If the investigation confirms the existence of violations, ESIC will take appropriate measures based on the severity of the violations. Possible measures include extending the suspension period, imposing fines, or other disciplinary actions.
The final handling results will be determined based on the investigation evidence and the severity of the violations, and ESIC will make a fair decision according to the relevant regulations.
Industry Reaction and Focus of Attention
This suspension event has attracted widespread attention in the esports industry, especially discussions on the compliance of esports betting. The industry internally hopes that the investigation results will provide a precedent for handling similar situations, promoting the formation of clearer industry standards.
The healthy development of esports betting requires the joint maintenance of an integrity environment by all parties, and the handling of this event will have a demonstrative effect on the industry.
