THE NORTH AMERICAN MLBB scene has suffered a massive blow as Team S8UL has been disqualified for joining the MSC 2025 due to a breach in the tournament’s rule book.
In their post they said: “Jang “Hoon” Seong-Hun and Michael “MobaZane” Cosgun from Team S8UL, the representatives from North America, have been found in breach of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Midseason Cup official rules due to their decision to participate in an event associated with a competing mobile multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) title.”
“As outlined in the MSC penalty index (Section 2, penalty index B), a penalty will be imposed if a team member engages in any competitor games’ event/activity/livestream or other way to give the competitor games’ exposure. The competitor games are defined as mobile MOBA game.”
“Due to these suspensions, Team S8UL is no longer eligible to compete. The team is unable to meet the tournament’s minimum roster requirements and is not eligible for roster changes or force majeure, according to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Midseason Cup official rules."
The post highlighted two important sections namely:
"Section 3.1.1: Each team must have at least 5 players (“starter”) and 1 substitute player and 1 coach.”
"Section 5.2.3.: Teams player roster need to be the same as the team that qualified for MSC in MPL or local qualifications, unless there is a force majeure before the roster lock date that necessitates a change, such as a player’s sudden illness or an accident that prevents them from coming to host country.”
Prior to the start of the MSC, both Hoon and MobaZane were caught promoting Honor of Kings.
FwydChickn reveals the alleged story behind MOONTON’s decision
In light of recent events, Team S8UL EXP laner, Ian "FwydChickn" Hohl published a video detailing what exactly happened from behind the scenes.
Was he mad at Zane and Hoon for thwarting the chance to compete in the MSC?
"First of all I do not blame Hoon and Zane and neither should anyone," he reiterated. "This campaign was planned a while back and when they planned the campaign, they made sure in the MSC rulebook that it would be allowed..."
Then as he went deep, he highlighted an important loophole in the rulebook.
"Because the MSC rulebook applies from July 10th to August 2nd and the HoK campaign period was June 27th to June 28th."
Now according to the MSC 2025 rulebook: "These official rules of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup 2025 (MSC 2025) apply to each of the teams who have been qualified to play in the MSC from July 10th, 2025 to August 2nd, 2025."
It was also revealed that the team consulted with esports lawyers regarding MOONTON's decision and they highlighted the introductory clause.
MOONTON responded by saying: “Apologies for the delayed response. We have treated this matter and your reply with utmost gravity. Following thorough internal deliberations, our final determination is to uphold the original decision: S8UL should cease this collaborative campaign immediately."
In addition the game developers further explained the dates mentioned in the rulebook.
"The phrase….”from July 10th 2025 to August 2nd 2025” is a temporal modifier that qualifies the clause ‘have been qualified to play.' This means that the dates tells us which teams the rules apply to (i.e. teams qualified for the tournament that takes place between July 10 and August 2), not when the rules are in force. So the timeframe restricts the event, not the applicability of the rules."
In the end, MOONTON has the full authority as the phrase: "Moonton officially retains the right of final interpretation of these rules and is entitled to impose penalties not listed below," was revealed.
Given the exile of Team S8UL in MSC 2025, North American team Area 77 will take over their slot.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
