ESL bans Crocs, among other things, in new rules update

This morning, ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) announced that there was an update to the rulebook just as the start date for IEM Cologne 2023 inches closer. In the rulebook as many have started pointing out on social media, Crocs are now banned from ESL events as they are not considered closed-toed shoes. The rule update was altered to include "foam clogs e.g. crocs clogs".

There have also been some language clarifications and shifts as ESL transitions to using the FACEIT platform instead of ESEA. Additionally, other updates included transitioning language away from "CSGO" or "CS:GO" into simply, "CS" as the organizer anticipates the upcoming arrival of Counter-Strike 2 and intends to make their rules clearer for all involved.

In terms of content control, ESL will now reject names and logos that fall under certain criteria. Already, teams were not allowed to have "extensions such as 'CS team' and could only consist of the name and, if allowed, a title sponsor." Now, ESL can potentially reject any team names that include political, religious, or offensive matters or sentiments at the judging of ESL.

Finally, as teams like Natus Vincere, paiN, and OG overhauled their rosters resulting in the majority of players departing from the starting lineup, ESL has altered the rules for teams earning invites to events, otherwise known as a "license". The old rule stated that if a licence holder lost over 40% of their starting lineup, ESL could review the license and possibly withdraw it should the licence holder not convince the organization that they continue with a similar level of ability.

If a licence holder loses over 40% of their starting lineup, ESL can review the licence and, if the licence holder cannot convince ESL about their ability to continue in the event on a similar level of play, possibly withdraw it.

For leagues, where a licence holder loses over 40% of the players who participated in the majority of the team’s matches within the previous season, a review will take place to determine their ability to participate in the next season.

In the new rule, the rule is divided more to create a greater differentiation between one-off events and the leagues. For events, it now specifies three players and details that coaches will not be considered players. Additionally, it also notes that teams that lose out on their licence may be invited back as a replacement team through the replacement rules. This hypothetical scenario would work in that should a team lose their starting lineup, lose the licence, but can still be invited back if they are the first logical replacement.

If a licence holder loses 3 or more players from their starting lineup, ESL can review the licence and possibly withdraw it. Coaches are never considered players.

For leagues, where a licence holder loses over 40% of the players who participated in the majority of the team’s matches within the previous season, a review will take place to determine their ability to participate in the next season.

Licence reviews are conducted subjectively by ESL and the tournament administration using the information available to us.

A team who loses their event licence through the review process may still be eligible to be invited as a replacement team if they meet the criteria as stated in ESL Pro Tour CS Replacement Rules.

You can read about the new full rules, here.