EMEA Masters Chaos: Team Threatens Forfeit Over Unpaid Salaries!

Look Sports Media – Reports from Sheep Esports have ignited a firestorm within the EMEA Masters tournament, revealing that Saudi Arabian organization Fog Esports players threatened to forfeit their participation due to months of unpaid salaries. This shocking revelation casts a shadow over the prestigious competition and raises serious questions about the financial stability of some esports organizations.

Fog Esports, a participant in the EMEA Masters after qualifying through the Arabian League, found themselves embroiled in a bitter dispute with their players. The team, which reached the Grand Final of the Arabian League 2025 Spring Playoffs before falling to Geekay Esports, ultimately exited the EMEA Masters after losses to Karmine Corp Blue and ULF Esports. Their journey, however, was overshadowed by a far more serious issue.

According to coach Gerard "Jayrad" Blasi, the Fog Esports roster went without payment for April and May. Repeated attempts to resolve the overdue payments met with delays, with the organization citing pending partnership deals as the reason for the hold-up. The situation escalated in late May, with players threatening to escalate the matter to Riot Games MENA. While the response from Riot Games remains undisclosed, the threat seemingly prompted Fog Esports to offer verbal assurances and a written deadline of June 15th for payment. This deadline, however, was missed.

The unpaid salaries, while unfortunately common in some amateur leagues, take on a particularly concerning light given Fog Esports’ affiliation with the Saudi Esports Federation. This raises questions about the oversight and support provided to smaller member organizations within the federation.

The severity of the situation prompted the players to consider forfeiting their EMEA Masters participation. Jayrad himself opted out of the tournament, highlighting the depth of the crisis. Even after a partial payment, significant arrears remain.

Looksports.media reached out to Fog Esports for comment, but the organization has yet to respond. This silence only amplifies the concerns surrounding the welfare of the players and the overall integrity of the competitive landscape. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the precarious financial situations some esports athletes face, even at a relatively high level of competition.