iBuyPower unbanned from ESL

iBP, the famous CSGO team involved in the match-fixing scandal has been unbanned by ESL. iBuyPower unbanned from ESL are now allowed to compete in a regular form. ESL announced on Twitter, “In line with the new sanction structure we will also be lifting the indefinite match-fixing ban on ex-IBUYPOWER players for ESL competitions.”

NetCodeGuides and iBP were possibly the first two teams to be banned on griefing grounds. The two teams supposedly betted against their morality and made breathtaking profits in betting skins via CSGOLounge. Three years ago, Valve announced in their statement that they have permanently banned the players involved in match fixing without an expiry.

iBuyPower unbanned from ESL

In line with the new sanction structure we will also be lifting the indefinite match-fixing ban on ex-IBUYPOWER players for ESL competitions

— ESL (@ESL) July 24, 2017

There were even reports of iBP seeking legal parliamentary justice if there is anyone to whom their case may be presented. But soon, Valve released a list of players who they affirmed to have been banned permanently until further notice. The list included both Dazed and Steel.

ESL has aligned with ESIC, Esports Integrity Coalition to mandate the new rules for their forthcoming events. The complete report of their sanction of freeing iBP from their involvement in betting has been published. The new rule for match fixing/griefing scandals in short hints towards a-five-year ban whereas in circumstantial nature of occurrence, a monetary fine can also be imposed. The new rules are as follows:

1. Cheating: Disqualification from the tournament, results voided, forfeiture of prize money, ban between 2 year and lifetime depending on age and level of player and nature/size of tournament and how the player cheated (this offence includes “smurfing” where both parties involved are liable to sanctions). Cheating at a competition played above an amateur level (i.e. where significant prize pool is involved or qualification for a professional event is at stake) should normally result in a 5 year ban, but, in aggravating circumstances, can result in a lifetime ban.
2. Match-Fixing/betting fraud: Results voided, 5 year ban unless significant mitigating factors in line with the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code or, in the presence of aggravating circumstances, a longer ban, forfeiture of prize money and monetary fine (if discovered before the end of a tournament, disqualification).
3. Doping: Results voided, ban of between 1 and 2 years, forfeiture of prize money (if discovered before the end of a tournament, disqualification).
4. Competition manipulation and bribery: Results voided, ban of between 1 and 2 years, forfeiture of prize money and monetary fine (if discovered before the end of a tournament, disqualification).

Nevermind the rules, the justification of iBP players griefing and losing on purpose to earn thousands of skins in value will always be vague. And as Ian Smith of Integrity Commissioner of ESIC quotes “Of course, the best way to avoid a ban is not to cheat in the first place.”