FunPlus Phoenix ends IGL kovaQ contract over racially discriminatory comments

FunPlus Phoenix has announced the termination of their in-game leader Blendi "KovaQ" kovaci’s contract following inappropriate and racially discriminatory remarks made by the player in an in-game chat. The comments were captured on stream, leading the organization to end the player’s contract with immediate effect.

FPX parts ways with kovaQ

According to kovaQ, the comment was directed at another teammate and was intended as a joke at the time. However, the inappropriate remark quickly began circulating online. The expression is considered a derogatory insult commonly used to mock the Chinese language, people of Chinese descent, and other East or Southeast Asian communities.

FunPlus Phoenix responded immediately, announcing the termination of his contract in an official statement released on Weibo on August 28.

The IGL been suspended from training and official matches, with his salary also withheld during the suspension. The Chinese organization confirmed that he is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

Below is a translated version of the official statement. Please note that there may be minor inaccuracies in the translation.

KovaQ issues apology

A few hours later, kovaQ issued an apology on X regarding his comments. He apologized to the fans, his teammates, and the organization for the remarks directed at a teammate, adding that he would be taking a break from social media to reflect on his actions.

In 2025, the player made his Tier 1 debut with Team Vitality and competed in the VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - EMEA Stage 2. However, the team was unable to secure a higher placement, missing out on the opportunity to qualify for VALORANT Champions Tour 2025 - Valorant Champions. In the end of the year, he moved to CGN Esports for three months before moving to China.

He joined FunPlus Phoenix in March, taking on the role of in-game leader. Despite the team’s domestic results, there had been no indication that FPX was planning to make roster changes at the time. The organization will now have to find a replacement for the player ahead of the offseason.

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Featured Image by VCT China // Riot Games