The Ukrainian Federation of Esports has announced that the failure of four esports players to return from the IESF World Esports Championship 2024 international tournament in Saudi Arabia has caused serious problems. In particular, the Federation can no longer process requests for the participation of national team players in international competitions.

Details of the situation

Yaroslav “Byr9” Buryak, Andriy “Polbandana” Zdrok, Vladyslav Pivkin, and Zakhar Siledchyk. All of them stayed abroad, violating their previously signed commitments to return to Ukraine after the tournament. This situation caused the destruction of trust between the Federation and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine.

Comment of the Federation

“Each participant was instructed in detail about the conditions of participation in the competition and undertook to return after the tournament. Their actions have negative consequences for the entire Ukrainian esports community,” the Federation said in a statement.

It is noted that this also affects other disciplines, in particular the PUBG Mobile team, which has high potential after taking second place at the World Cup.

The position of the players

Polbandana, a former player of the kONO.ECF team, explained in his commentary that his decision to stay abroad was due to the difficulties faced by esports players in Ukraine. “I love Ukraine and I will definitely return, but it is very difficult to develop my career now because of constant blackouts and psychological stress,” the player said in a comment to Katsap Inferno.

Bo3.gg requested a comment from Byr9 and he refused to comment on the situation.

Consequences.

Due to this incident, the Federation called on Ukrainian and international organizations to terminate cooperation with these players until they fulfill their obligations. In addition, the Federation is working to determine the whereabouts of the esportsmen and the possibilities of their return.

This situation may have long-term consequences for Ukrainian esports, especially in the context of the participation of national teams in international tournaments.

Sources: uesf_ukraine, ukrainecsgo