Fnatic Suspends BraveAF After Leaked Messages Supporting Russia’s Invasion Surface
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Fnatic suspended Valorant player Andrew "BraveAF" Gorchakov from the active roster after private messages allegedly leaked and highlighted his support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The player received criticism from fans and other pro players alike and has been suspended indefinitely. An investigation is underway which can lead to further repercussions.
Gorchakov’s future at Fnatic is now uncertain due to his alleged actions
After the leaked conversation was shared online, Fnatic issued a statement saying, “We are aware of an ongoing situation with one of our Valorant players, Andrey ‘BraveAF’ Gorchakov. Effective immediately Gorchakov will be suspended from pro play at Fnatic while we launch an investigation.”
Gorchakov revealed in a statement on Twitter that the screenshots that are being shared online are in fact his. The conversation was between him and a girl from Ukraine and the chat took place before 24th February, which is when the Russian invasion began. He claims that what he said was taken out of context. It is unknown how Fnatic will respond if the player is found guilty following the investigation.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on 24th February, with shelling and rocket attacks on several major cities including its capital, Kyiv, causing multiple deaths. Explosions were reported near the Kyiv airport and other cities causing martial law to be implemented by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed his plans to take control of Ukraine and over a month since the invasion began, the situation has not been resolved yet.
Fnatic qualified for Valorant Masters Reykjavik and will be heading to Iceland soon to compete in Valorant’s first international LAN event in 2022. If BraveAF remains suspended during the event, it is likely that Tom “otom” Hart will be called on as he is the official substitute player of the team. Santeri "BONECOLD" Sassi, who won the world championship with Acend last year, is also in consideration for the roster according to reports. The player was dropped from Acend’s active roster on 24th March after the team’s disappointing start to the Valorant Champions Tour this year.
