The League of Legends European Championship (LEC) has announced the suspension of games for the rest of the Spring season. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Riot Games has made the tough decision to halt the rest of the games. It had previously planned for the season to continue through March 21.
As the COVID-19 situation worsens each day, Riot is taking precautions to prevent the virus from spreading. Unfortunately, according to its announcement, it suspects a staff member has been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Riot has quarantined this staff member to prevent others from getting infected, but the suspected staff has not yet tested positive for the virus.
Keeping the teams safe
In order to keep every player and staff member safe, Riot has suspended today’s matches along with next weekend’s. “Before our show, we received an update regarding the LEC Spring Split. In light of the uncertainty during the rapidly changing COVID-19 global pandemic situation,” host Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere stated, “and in an abundance of caution, we’ve decided to err on the side of player, fan, and staff safety and suspend the LEC Spring Split until further notice.”
Sjokz shared the LEC’s message soon after it hit Twitter, calling it a “rough message to deliver.”
At the moment, there are no other details on when the games will continue. Fans have so far shown disappointment but also sympathy during the sudden change of plans.
Constant uncertainty
On March 12, the LEC sent out an important announcement, stating that games would no longer be played in front of a live audience. This decision echoed the ones made by other esports organizations and events. The on-site audience ban included the press and media as well. Before this, the LEC had announced plans to move from Budapest, Hungary, to its Berlin studios due to safety and health measures.
Unfortunately, the Poros and plushies that staff had placed in the audience will not experience the LEC games either. At this time, teams are trying to stay positive and continue to evaluate the situation as it develops.
It's not going to be the same without you in the audience but this is the next best thing 🥰 #LEC @loleu pic.twitter.com/QT3UWCK4Fx
— LEC (@LEC) March 13, 2020
