Two-year suspension. Partnership termination. MDL Philippines and Twisted Minds handed out heavy sanctions to five players over match-fixing issues.
The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Developmental League (MDL) Philippines handed out heavy sanctions, including a two-year suspension, towards five members of Twisted Minds Bear (TMB) over match-fixing violations.
Twisted Minds also terminated their partnership with their affiliate BEAR Esports in the second-tier professional league as part of the development.
The MDL ruling was handed out on September 1, concluding after an investigation that TMB's Salem, RycoGod, NERPZU, Nasty Uno, and Daizo were determined to have engaged in a match-fixing incident.
"Any act or intent to throw a game is considered a grave breach of integrity and professionalism," MDL Philippines said in a statement.
The young players were suspended from the MLBB Esports Ecosystem tournament for two years from September 1, 2025 to September 1, 2027, including MPL PH, MDL PH, and any other Moonton-endorsed events.
"As a developmental league, MDL Philippines is committed to instilling integrity and professionalism among aspiring teams and players," MDL PH added. "Match-fixing is a serious violation of our values and standards, and we will continue to enforce measures that protect fairness and sportsmanship while guiding players toward professional growth."
Pro team Twisted Minds doubled down on this ruling by terminating its partnership with BEAR Esports.
The players involved are also permanently banned from representing Twisted Minds.
"Twisted Minds reiterates its zero-tolerance stance toward breaches of competitive integrity," the organization said.
"Twisted Minds condemns all forms of match-fixing, cheating, or conduct that compromises competitive integrity," they added.
"To protect the values of our organization and the wider esports community, Twisted Minds is implementing stricter oversight and compliance standards across all future academy affiliations."
Twisted Minds Rising PH was a new entry in the amateur scene in MDL PH Season 5, finishing last in Group C with no wins, a tie, and two losses.
By Season 6, the Twisted Minds Bear still finished last in Group A with a 0-0-3 record.
This is not the first time a team or a player in the MDL became connected with allegations of match-fixing.
In 2024, MDL PH investigated such reports during Season 3, prompting actions from the UST Teletigers Esports Club, TNCZ4, and RSG Philippines.
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