Amihan Esports Releases an Apology Statement Regarding Wild Rift Roster Issue
Philippine League of Legends: Wild Rift organization, Amihan Esports issued an apology statement to Riot Games after one of its players, Karl “AMI Karlll” Ken Bautista was found to be in violation of Rule 2.3 (Age) of the Wild Rift SEA Icon Series Philippines Competition Policy. Amihan Esports submitted forged documents that misrepresented AMI Karlll’s true age, who was 16 at the time of competing in the tournament.. Among other sanctions to the former coach and the owner of Amihan Esports, Riot Games has imposed a 12-month ban on the org, forcing it to give up its slot in the upcoming SEA Icon Series Fall Season and preventing it from participating in official Riot Games esports events. Francis Mariano, the owner of Amihan Esports, has stated that they “respect and accept Riot Games’ decision.”
Amihan Esports Apologizes for Mismanagement
The organization’s owner, Francis Mariano posted an official statement on the team’s Facebook page.
“I would like to start with an apology. To Riot Games, PPGL, Mineski and most importantly our fans and the Wild Rift Community – we are deeply sorry for what we have done.
We were fortunate to have the chance to compete in the first Wild Rift Championship and the SEA Summer Super Cup. However, our mismanagement and oversight has led to repercussions.
One of our players was under the age of 17 at the time of competing in the tournament (he turned 17 on July 15th). Oversight of mismanagement within our organization resulted in his documents being forged by the terminated manager to misrepresent his age.
As an organization, we take full responsibility for this and are truly apologetic. Despite being a young org, this does not excuse us from having broken the rules presented by the league operator and the game publisher.
We respect and accept Riot Games’ decision on the matter and hope that this serves as an example for other teams to keep in mind that rules and laws must always be respected in esports.
I would also like to clarify that we were NOT involved in match fixing win trading, cheating, map hacking and other baseless allegations that are being spread as rumors. We have won our games with pure competition, training and sacrifices and as an organization, we are extremely proud of what our players have accomplished in such a short time.
The best thing that we can do now is to assist the players with their future plans and hope to make a comeback as an organization whenever it is possible.
Regards and apologies,
Francis Mariano, owner, Amihan Esports.”
Amihan Esports Receives Penalty for Falsification of Documents
Riot Games imposed a series of sanctions on the PPGL 2021 Summer Season champions, Amihan Esports, after one of its pro players, Karlll, was found guilty of violating Rule 2.3(Age) of the Wild Rift SEA Icon Series Philippines Competition Policy.
According to Riot Games, Rule 2.3(Age) states that no player is allowed to participate in any Icon Series-affiliated match before their 17th birthday, defined as having lived 17 full years.
Additionally, Amihan Esports will have to forfeit its prize winnings from both the SEA Icon Series Philippines Summer Season and the SEA Icon Series Summer Super Cup. The organization will also have to give up its slot in the upcoming SEA Icon Series Fall Season and will be replaced with a new team.
