Apologies for the late response regarding the situation with Counter Logic Gaming's European Team not attending IEM Kiev.

We would like to acknowledge firstly that this is the case and our team will not be one of the eight teams attending Kiev. This statement aims to clarify the situation for those who were not involved, as well as most of all the fans who have supported and continue to support us.

On October 5th, 2011 the first phase of the IEM Kiev Qualifiers took place, in which Absolute Legends qualified for the Final Qualifiers which were set to take place on November 19^th 2011. During this time between the first qualifier and the final qualifier, we were in discussion with the German organization mTw regarding a partnership which would entail both parties covering traveling costs, with the AL team representing the mTw organization in the player’s in-game names:  “mTw <player> AL”. We would also assist in promoting their website and organization. There were no official contracts signed as such, but a mutual agreement that both organizations would work in partnership was made.


The problem which arose is that ESL has concluded the team license will remain with mTw, claiming that Absolute Legends is not a legitimate organization and only a community. Despite numerous attempts made proving to ESL that Absolute Legends is and always was a legitimate organization, this was unsatisfactory. With considerable sums of money involved in prize funds, travel, accommodation and sponsorships (over $150,000) - ESL have chosen to base their decision on false statements made to them by mTw .

Because ESL was skeptical of the agreement which had been made between both organizations, we took it upon ourselves to provide extensive evidence of what both parties concluded during our discussions. For example mTw had agreed that points gained from events would remain with the players, rather than the organization. That would mean that had the AL/mTw conglomeration won, the IEM circuit points would be granted to AL (which is now called CLG.eu). As with the previous instance where we attempted to supply evidence to ESL, they claimed it to be insufficient and the license would remain with mTw.

Recent roster changes possibly affecting this decision were taken into consideration and CLG.eu were prepared to play with 3/5 (60%) of the original roster (Lyumi, Froggen, Wickd) in order to participate at IEM Kiev. We would have even played under the mTw tag, covered the travel costs and have given them the prize money/publicity associated with Kiev - as long as we received the points that would give us the possibility of attending IEM Grand Final at Hannover in March 2012. However, mTw completely refused this deal and presented us only the initial proposal by them, which was completely unsatisfactory.

This was our final discussion with mTw as they refused to co-operate after we declined their initial proposal (attend Kiev - giving mTw all the IEM points), stating that they no longer wish to speak to us and they were not prepared to make another deal. Afterwards we contacted ESL informing them of mTw's status and asked them to inform of us of the decision which was to be made.

We would also like to express that this in no way SK's doing, which was a rumor expressed throughout the community. They were the benefactors if CLG Europe would not go, as they placed 4th in the online qualifiers which took place on the 19th November. While we are all full of bitter disappointment in how this situation has been handled, we would like to wish SK the best of luck at IEM Kiev.

Not only is it with a heavy heart that we inform you of this news, we understand that the fans who continue to support our team were also terribly disappointed, as such we would like to express our apologies and hope you continue to support us and the team throughout 2012 despite us no longer being able to attend IEM Kiev and ultimately IEM Grand Final in Hannover.

Regards,


Counter Logic Gaming Europe