Electronic Arts has announced that, because of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, esports players and teams based in Russia and Belarus will no longer be allowed to compete in Apex Legends and FIFA 22 pro leagues.
"We continue to be shocked at the conflict that is unfolding in Ukraine and join so many voices around the world in calling for peace and an end to the invasion," EA tweeted. "We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
"We have made the decision to remove Russia and Belarus as eligible countries in our esports programs. Effectively immediately, players and teams in Russia and Belarus are ineligible to participate in the Apex Legends Global Series and the EA Sports FIFA 22 Global Series."
pic.twitter.com/aJSozOQjrBMarch 16, 2022
EA's decision to ban Russia and Belarus from its pro leagues comes two weeks after ESL suspended Russian teams Virtus.pro and Gambit from ESL Pro League season 15. Smaller pro league operators Blast and Elisa have also imposed bans on Russian-based organizations.
Following the example of the Olympics, however, ESL said it would allow Russian teams and players to take part in its competitions using "neutral" names, with no team logos or national colors—a compromise that Virtus.pro eventually accepted.
Ubisoft made a similar offer in a Rainbow Six Siege pro league announcement posted today.
"In light of the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine, all official competitions on our games portfolio in Russia, such as the Russian Major League on Rainbow Six Siege are suspended," it tweeted. "Russian players will still be able to compete in regional and international competitions if they choose to, but will be required to compete under a neutral banner, and have accepted to do so."
pic.twitter.com/AdCFP4gXvdMarch 16, 2022
EA did not say whether it would make similar allowances for its Global Series players—I've reached out to ask and will update if I receive a reply.
