FaZe Clan have ignited some last-minute controversy ahead of their upcoming match at BLAST Spring Groups, as they reportedly want to use Kristian "k0nfig" Wienecke as a stand-in player, despite k0nfig already being on Heroic's roster as a substitute.
FaZe Clan submits last-minute roster change at BLAST Spring Groups
Update: BLAST has officially rejected FaZe's request to field k0nfig, despite apparently initially giving the team permission to do so.
Original story:
That's according to Dust2.us, who reports that FaZe want k0nfig as a stand-in player for Håvard "rain" Nygaard at this week's BLAST Spring Groups.
The request has proven controversial for a number of reasons, including the fact that Heroic registered k0nfig as a substitute ahead of the roster lock. Additionally, it is understood that the organisation registered Olof "olofmeister" Kajbjer for the event, meaning that they would be able to field a full roster without having to use k0nfig.
FaZe Clan's rain won't be in attendance at BLAST Spring Groups, as he is currently expecting the birth of his child.
It would certainly be a last-minute change, coming well after the roster lock, and just days before FaZe Clan are due to appear at the tournament, in their January 20 match against Complexity Gaming.
BLAST are reported to be currently debating if they should allow the move, despite it coming after the roster lock. According to the 2022 BLAST rulebook, teams are required to use their registered substitutes "where possible," with emergency replacements being allowed in cases such as "illness, injury and travel disruption."
Additionally, the rules state that replacements cannot be an active part on another team's roster. However, it is unclear if k0nfig counts as being "active" on Heroic's roster, given that he has been registered as a substitute.
The request has seemingly caused an upset, with reports claiming that at least one team has submitted a complaint to BLAST for potentially permitting the move.
BLAST will need to decide if they'll allow k0nfig to play for FaZe Clan pretty soon, with the team due to go up against Complexity Gaming on January 20. Whatever happens, you'll be able to follow along with every match right here on Luckbox - just make sure you've claimed your free 100% bonus!
