The MDL Philippines and Philippine Esports Organization cracked the whip on players involved in a match-fixing controversy in the developmental league.

The MDL league operations, following the investigation on the reported match-fixing attempts, handed out a lengthy three-year ban on any MOONTON-sanctioned leagues to TNCZ4’s  Jhonjie Paul "Jiee" Dela Rosa and RSG El Ganador’s Raven "Aeris" Arellano and Christian John "Nyija" Calantoc.

The line of punishment was also followed by PESO in a separate sanction, banning the three in all PESO-sanctioned events including the tryouts for the Sibol national team members.

“MDL Philippines serves as a competitive developmental platform for amateur teams, but this does not mean that players or teams should attempt to throw a match as it underscores the values and principles of the league and sportsmanship,” the league said in an earlier statement.

“Match fixing goes against these principles and we will continue to actively work together on ensuring the integrity of the league. Let's combat these issues together to foster a professional esports ecosystem,” it added.

Matthew Chan, the Esports League Operations Lead of MOONTON Games, in a joint press conference with PESO, said the three-year ban should serve as a stern warning to the rest of the league.

“If indefinite, we can put it after a year and remove it, or anything of the like. How we came to this conclusion is that number one, in the eyes of MOONTON, this is one of the harshest already."

PESO, likewise, joined the call for upholding professionalism and ethical conduct to players in the esports scene. The move also emphasizes the organization’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and fair play in Esports.

PESO executive director Marlon Marcelo, however, remains hopeful that the players can get their act together and recover from the setback to their respective careers.

“These are kids and their future is in jeopardy because of what they did but at least on the bright side they have three years to contemplate and make sure that they can recover,” said Marcelo

“I'm happy at least it's not a lifetime ban because in PESO there was a really strong debate and we were saying that, 'These kids need a chance to redeem themselves,” he added.