ECL '25: Winter - Disciplinary Statement from League Administration

League Administrative Announcement: Disqualification of Unwanted from ECL Elite

SportsGamer has recently become aware of a publicly posted image originating from Unwanted’s team WhatsApp group. The image contained racist content.

Following a thorough investigation, we confirmed that the content was authentic (i.e., not altered) and found that several players from Unwanted attempted to deceive and obstruct the League Administration (LA) during this process. Members of the team even went so far as to create fake screenshots, falsely claiming these were the original conversations that had been Photoshopped. Such behavior carries significant penalties.

Decision and Implications
Given these findings, and after thorough deliberation among LA members, we have decided to disqualify Unwanted from the ongoing ECL Elite season.
For the purposes of relegation and standings, the season will proceed as though it was played with 16 teams, with Unwanted finishing in 16th place.

Player Suspensions
In addition to the team disqualification, individual players from Unwanted have received suspensions. These suspensions, effective immediately, will apply to all SportsGamer tournaments as follows:

• @Snus97_: Suspended until December 2nd, 2025
• @Suth98_: Suspended until June 17th, 2025. Cover Gamer status has been revoked.
• @bystrom___ & @LaxenHD: Suspended until the April 5th, 2025 
• @Johansson-37: Suspended until the February 21st, 2025

The remaining roster is allowed to go, join, and play for another team this season (providing the usual transfer rules are satisfied, of course).

Resetting Community Standards
LA has previously received feedback that our responses to similar incidents were insufficient. Moving forward, we are resetting the standard for player conduct. Any player found engaging in racist behavior will face strict disciplinary action, including severe bans.
This decision reflects our intent to provide an opportunity for players to learn and improve. We also discourage witch hunts targeting historical incidents, such as old screenshots or videos, as this detracts from fostering a positive and forward-looking community.

Supporting Positive Growth
To support this vision, SportsGamer will establish an initiative providing a safe and supportive space where players can seek advice from vetted peers (players). This effort aims to reduce the toxicity currently pervasive in the community.
Players should be able to grow both on and off the ice without being subjected to insults or bullying from more established players. While details are still being finalized, we are committed to creating a more inclusive, welcoming environment for all participants.