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The League of Legends Pro League (LPL) third seed, LNG Esports, may have to compete at the 2024 LoL World Championship without their star mid-laner, Lee “Scout” Ye-chan, due to ongoing legal complications with his former team, EDward Gaming (EDG).
The dispute stems from Scout’s transfer to LNG at the start of the 2023 season, which led EDG to file a lawsuit.
After losing the first trial, EDG appealed the case, which has since escalated to a second trial.
As part of the legal proceedings, EDG reportedly requested a travel ban on Scout, complicating his ability to participate in the World Championship.
Scout had planned to return to South Korea for vacation but has been forced to remain in China while the case progresses.
If the court rules against him, the travel ban could extend into October, meaning Scout would miss the Swiss stage of Worlds, held in Berlin.
Source) Scouts may not be able to participate in Worlds 2024 #LoL #WORLDS2024 .@LNG_Esports pic.twitter.com/l1OSmbEhbQ
— kenzi (@kenzi131) September 12, 2024
This situation places LNG in a precarious position, as they currently lack a substitute mid-laner.
Their only substitute is Zhao “Shadow” Ziqiang, a former jungler who lacks Scout’s expertise in the mid-lane.
Although some teams have filled gaps by loaning players, Scout’s absence would severely impact LNG’s chances at Worlds due to his pivotal role in their success.
Scout has been instrumental in LNG’s performance, helping them secure a fourth-place finish in the 2024 LPL Summer Split playoffs and win the Regional Finals over Weibo Gaming.
His potential absence would disrupt LNG’s momentum, as they rely heavily on his individual skill to compete at the highest level.
SuperGent, the agency representing Scout, has issued a public plea to EDG, urging them to lift the travel ban for the sake of both the fans and LNG’s performance at Worlds.
However, without EDG’s cooperation, it seems unlikely that Scout will be able to attend.
Complicating matters further are rumours that Scout’s agency may have mishandled his contractual obligations, potentially breaching contracts while trying to secure his transfer to LNG.
As the 2024 World Championship approaches, Scout’s involvement remains uncertain.
If the legal battle doesn’t resolve in his favour, LNG will be forced to find a replacement and adapt quickly.
The esports community is anxiously awaiting the outcome of the case, knowing that Scout’s presence could be the key to LNG’s success at Worlds.
