ESIC bans kzy for life over match manipulation

ESIC has imposed sanctions ranging from three years to a lifetime on five NOMERCY players after an investigation into match manipulation at Roman Imperium Cup VII.

The investigation covered four best-of-one group-stage matches played by NOMERCY on March 28, 2026, in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. The team lost 13-0 to BETBOOM, 13-3 to Sangal, 13-1 to BESTIA and 13-1 to Wildcard.

ESIC based its findings on betting intelligence, full-match reviews, player-specific analysis, communications, financial records and the players’ responses. The betting evidence included a high-value combination bet covering all four matches.

The investigation also identified suspected failures in trading, utility use, positioning and decision-making. No single gameplay error, transaction or communication was treated as decisive on its own.

Oliver “kzy” Heck received a lifetime ban. The former mousesports, ALTERNATE aTTaX and EURONICS player had a leadership and calling role, took part in veto decisions and was repeatedly involved in the suspected conduct. ESIC also cited his complete lack of cooperation with the investigation. His career began in Counter-Strike 1.6.

János “James8k” Fodor and Petar “perakokanje” Bešir each received five-year bans, which expire on April 23, 2031. Both players were subject to the investigation’s findings and did not cooperate. The Roman Imperium Cup was the only recorded competition on either player’s HLTV profile.

Palkovics “playN” Tamás and Sreten “srtn1” Smiljanić received three-year bans, expiring on April 23, 2029. ESIC treated playN’s detailed responses, financial and communications material, continued engagement, youth and limited experience as mitigating factors. For srtn1, it considered his initial answers, despite describing them as incomplete and inconsistent.

The ban periods include provisional suspensions imposed in April 2026, when ESIC began its investigation. Kzy remains banned for life, while the other four players’ sanctions expire on the dates listed above.

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