FunPlus Phoenix has cut ties with its in-game leader, Blendi “kovaQ” Kovaci, after the player made “inappropriate remarks while communicating with teammates during a game.” The VCT China organization announced on August 28th that it had “terminated all cooperation” with Kovaci, and that it launched an internal investigation in cooperation with Riot Games.
The FPX Statement
The statement from FunPlus Phoenix was brief and direct. According to the organization, the decision came alongside an internal investigation that involved Riot Games, the developer behind Valorant and the operator of the VCT circuit. FPX did not specify the nature of the remarks.
FPX said it had “terminated all cooperation” with Kovaci, who served as the team’s IGL, or in-game leader, and controller. The IGL role is typically the shot-caller, the player responsible for directing strategy and keeping teammates focused during high-pressure moments.
The organization did not name the specific incident or the match in which the remarks occurred. It did say the investigation was conducted “in cooperation with Riot Games.”
Kovaci’s Role
Kovaci is a professional Valorant player who most recently competed for FunPlus Phoenix in the VCT China league. His role was IGL and controller, a position that requires constant communication with four other players.
FPX did not provide further details about Kovaci’s career history, his tenure with the team, or any prior disciplinary issues. What is clear is that his time with the organization ended abruptly, and the stated reason was “inappropriate remarks” made during a game.
The phrase is broad. It could cover anything from a heated outburst to a targeted insult. Without the specifics, the public is left with the organization’s word that the behavior crossed a line.
What Is Known
The public record is limited. It confirms the termination, the reason given, and the involvement of Riot Games in the investigation. It does not confirm when the investigation began, whether it concluded before the decision, or what Riot’s role ultimately was.
| Fact | What FPX Said |
|---|---|
| Termination | FPX “terminated all cooperation” with Kovaci |
| Reason | “Inappropriate remarks while communicating with teammates during a game” |
| Investigation | Launched “in cooperation with Riot Games” |
| Riot’s role | Not specified beyond cooperation on the investigation |
| Kovaci’s role | IGL and controller for FPX |
| League | VCT China |
The specific remarks, the match, any additional penalties, and Kovaci’s future eligibility all remain unstated.
Why Organizations Are Stepping In
The FPX decision reflects a broader shift in how esports teams operate. For years, the assumption was that players were competitors first and public figures second. Teams signed players for their aim, their game sense, and their ability to win rounds. Personality was a secondary concern.
That model has changed. Esports organizations now operate with sponsors, broadcast partners, and global audiences. A player’s words in a voice chat can become a headline within minutes. A single outburst can cost a team its partnership or its standing with a league operator.
Esports Insider’s analysis frames this as a training problem. The argument is that organizations cannot simply assume players will know how to conduct themselves under pressure. They have to build systems that teach them.
“Inappropriate remarks while communicating with teammates during a game.”
That quote, taken from the FPX statement, is the entire public basis for the termination. It is a reminder that in modern esports, communication is not just a skill — it is a condition of employment.
The Role of Riot Games
The involvement of Riot Games in the investigation is notable. Riot operates the VCT circuit, sets the rules for competitive play, and has its own disciplinary framework. The FPX statement says the investigation was conducted in cooperation with Riot.
The statement does not say whether Riot imposed any additional penalty on Kovaci beyond the termination. It also does not say whether Kovaci will be eligible to compete with another team in the future. Those details remain unknown.
What This Means for Players
For players, the message is clear: behavior matters. A player can be the best mechanical talent in the region, but if they cannot communicate respectfully with teammates, they are a liability. The IGL role is particularly exposed, because it requires constant talking.
Kovaci’s role as IGL makes the situation more pointed. An IGL is supposed to be the calm voice in chaos, the player who keeps the team focused. If the IGL is the one making inappropriate remarks, the entire strategic structure of the team is compromised.
The termination also sends a signal to players across the VCT circuit. The standard for conduct is not just about avoiding slurs or overt harassment. It is about how players talk to each other in the heat of a match. Teams are watching, and leagues are watching.
The Cost of a Single Mistake
The financial stakes for a player like Kovaci are significant. A VCT roster spot comes with a salary, tournament winnings, and the potential for more. Losing that spot over an inappropriate remark is a steep price.
It is also a reminder that esports careers are fragile. The same skills that get a player signed — fast reflexes, deep game knowledge, mechanical precision — do not protect them from the consequences of a bad moment in voice chat.
FPX did not provide figures for Kovaci’s contract, his earnings, or the financial impact of the termination. Those details are not public.
What Comes Next for FPX
FunPlus Phoenix now has a hole in its roster. The team needs a new IGL and controller. The organization has not announced a replacement, and it has not said whether it will promote from within or look outside the team. FPX has not issued any statement beyond the initial announcement.
FPX did not provide a timeline for any roster move or details about the VCT season schedule. Those facts are not known.
The industry has spent years building infrastructure for player performance — coaches, analysts, sports psychologists. The next step is building infrastructure for player conduct. That means training, clear codes of conduct, and consequences when the rules are broken.
FPX has now demonstrated that it is willing to enforce those consequences. The message to players is already clear: how you talk to your teammates matters, and it can cost you your job.
Source: esportsinsider.com
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