ACE tolerates retired players and teams

- UPDATE -

It should be noted that a more detailed clarification on the matter is to be expected of ACE soon.

Last week it has been reported that ACE was considering banning teams Oldyboys and Oldmen, now known as Big God. A few days ago however, ACE has stated that they will not take actions against these teams and players.

Oldboys and OldMan, now known as Big God, were rumored to be banned from competitive tournaments in China, as ACE held a meeting to determine their futures. The two teams consist of former pro players that are now retired and most of which now earn money through streaming.

A few days ago, ACE has stated towards gamefy that they do not plan on taking any actions towards these teams and that they will be tolerated.

ACE's statement from gamefy, translated by Edooley:

"Our position on this issue is already laid out in Ace guidelines. If the retiree did not finish/complete his contract with his team, then the team and the player must come to ACE headquarters to complete the appropriate paper works to make the retirement official. After the paper works are completed, ACE will consider the contract signed between the players and the clubs to be frozen. If the player wants to come out of retirement to play for another club, then first he must complete the contract with his previous club. Only then, can the player to be considered a free agent. Therefore the retiree will not be able to represent whichever team they wishes after their initial retirement. Free agents can sign with which ever club they wish. They can represent whichever team they wish. That is under the pretence that the player is a free agent. If they are part of ACE, that is exactly how they will be managed. Everyone under ACE follow the same guidelines. If he is not part of ACE, then we do not have the proper authority to interfere with their affairs."

"If the player wants to come out of retirement to play for another club, then first he must complete the contract with his previous club. Only then, can the player to be considered a free agent." Especially this part seems to be relevant, as xiao8 was initially signed with Newbee for two years, which is why Big God is a roster of six. Until his contract has expired, xiao8 won't be allowed to compete in ACE regulated tournaments, other than for Newbee or under special circumstances. He was for example allowed to compete as a stand-in for Oldboys in the i-League tournament.

In light of the recent NEST tournament, Newbee's Sansheng has been asked regarding the issues of retired players and teams and in his opinion, retired players should stay just that - retired.

Recently, ACE was talking about restricting retired players from participating in official competitions. What is our opinion on this matter?

Sansheng: I think this is necessary. Retired players should not participate in official competition. If they are allowed to complete, then their involvement would put more pressure on the newer teams. Am I right? Older players like us usually can get a high wage after retirement. If everyone retires and just form new teams and those teams are still allowed to compete, then there wouldn't be a difference between retiree and the current players. I feel we should make more space for the new Chinese talents. This would benefit the overall competitive dota scene in China.

Does xiao8 still have a contract with Newbee? If so will he be restricted by the ACE regulations?

Sansheng: Yes, his contract still stands. I don't think this matter is as simple as whether to put restrictions on retiree or not; the heart of the issue is upholding the established guidelines and structure of Chinese dota. Perfect world even Valve, after a period of time, will establish some guidelines to manage the competitive scene. If anyone could just form a team and start to attend lans, then what is the point of having Esports clubs? If that is the case who would still want to invest money in to Esports clubs? The clubs does have its own investments as well. Think about it this way. The retiree does not need the support of the clubs. If retiree still could complete like the way it was before, then what is the point of having clubs? If so, the tier 2 teams will never be able to train/develop and become a tier 1 teams. Am I right?

Sources: Gamefy, 178.com

Translations provided by Edooley