Sources close to FaZe Clan tell IGN that the team will be leaving the newly formed World Esports Association due to early demands of exclusivity by ESL. They’re reported to be paying as much as $50,000 out of pocket in penalties to leave the federation. It was previously rumored that ESL will lose major status for the Cologne CS: GO major, but ESL has confirmed this is not the case.

According to those sources, several top tier teams have current agreements with talent agencies for representation. ESL was allegedly pressuring teams to exclusively partner with WESA, and FaZe wanted to retain their current representation. FaZe has informed Petro Fringuelli, acting commissioner of WESA, of their intent to withdraw from the association. They’re expected to publicly announce their departure next week.WESA was established as a partnership between ESL and eight top tier CS:GO teams to advance player and team concerns while standardizing rules and regulations across tournaments. The decision is a major development in the young association’s existence, coming just a week after its announcement.EDIT: Updated to clarify ESL major situation. ESL has responded and said that the event in Cologne will still be an official CS:GO major.

Kevin Knocke is a host and producer of esports content here at IGN. You can follow him at twitter.com/kevinknocke