Riot Games has confirmed that LPL squad LNG will field an emergency substitution for Worlds 2024. JDG’s Yagao has been tasked with representing the region at this year’s tournament in place of Scout, who can’t attend due to an ongoing legal matter.
In an X post on Sept. 19, Riot explained the uniqueness of this situation and that bringing in a player from another LoL region was not a viable solution. This was a time-sensitive matter, given the limited number of Chinese players able to travel to Europe. Both the team and the substitute player had to agree beforehand. Given that Riot has listed Yagao as the sub, an agreement appears to have been reached.
In the past, teams have had to use their substitute players already signed to the roster, or free agents who had not participated in the previous competitive split. “Utilizing an emergency substitute is an exceptional, case-by-case decision and is never the preferred option when addressing roster-related issues,” Riot said in their post. Each case is reviewed by Riot and must be approved by Riot Games Competitive Operations to maintain competitive integrity and fairness.
Scout is reportedly dealing with an ongoing legal matter involving a civil lawsuit between himself and his former team Edward Gaming. This matter also involves a travel ban, hence the reason LNG are forced to make an emergency substitution. Should the travel restrictions be lifted, Scout will be able to travel to Europe and compete at Worlds. Yagao will then be ineligible to play as teams will be provided 72 hours’ notice of Scouts participation.
LNG officially kicks off their Worlds 2024 campaign during the Swiss stage, beginning Oct 3. The play-in stage for Worlds 2024, however, starts Sept. 25 with MAD Lions KOI taking on Vikings Esports.
