Blacklist International Apologizes After Post-Game Interview Issue

ECHO won the championship, but it was Blacklist International that was the talk of the town after the MPL Philippines Season 11 because the latter allegedly refused to participate in the league’s post-match interview last Sunday. 

Two members of the media expressed their dismay over the team’s management when the Tier One-backed squad failed to attend the interview, while others chimed in, revealing that they had also had a hard time interviewing players from the team in the past.

Blacklist International, through a statement, revealed what really transpired after their lopsided 0-4 grand finals loss to ECHO at the SMX Convention Center.

The team claimed that they were offered the choice to forego the post-match press conference because the interview with ECHO went beyond the expected time. 

In Philippine sports press rooms, it is customary for the winning team to participate in the post-match interview first before the losing team – contrary to fans’ claims that the losing team should go first.

The management, without the players’ knowledge, decided to pass on the interview. The decision was made ‘with our team’s fatigue, hunger, and overall well-being in mind’ according to Blacklist International.

“After yesterday’s Grand Finals match at the MPL, our MLBB team was on standby for their post-match interview. Due to the winner’s interview session running longer than anticipated, our coaching staff and management made the decision to inform the league that we would forgo this interview in order to allow our players to take their rest and dinner earlier,” read the team’s statement.

“This was a decision made solely by the management, and none of our players begged off from the post-match interview with the media. It was made with our team’s fatigue, hunger, and overall well-being in mind.”

Blacklist International then acknowledged the importance of the media in the esports ecosystem and assured that there will be ‘ample opportunities for interviews moving forward.’

“However, we do recognize that as an organization, we need to do better by our media partners and friends. They are an important part of the esports ecosystem and we appreciate them helping us tell the story of our players and teams,” Blacklist said.

“We will ensure that there will be ample opportunities for interviews moving forward, whether we win or lose.”

According to Hyprgames’ sources, the organization already reached out to the journalists who called them out and apologized for making it difficult for them to obtain interview opportunities in the past.

Furthermore, the organization promised to address the situation to their supporters who have been sending rude messages and harrasing the journalists and their families.

Follow Hyprgame on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates!
Follow Funbet8 for the latest sports and esports betting odds!