MDL Philippines slaps two-year ban on five Twisted Minds Bear players for alleged match-fixing

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Development League (MDL) Philippines handed five players from Twisted Minds Bear team with two-year suspensions for their involvement in alleged match-fixing activities.

In a statement, MDL Philippines said that the league has completed its investigation, where they ruled that Twisted Minds Bear's Salem, RycoGod, NERPZU, Nasty Uno, and Daizo engaged in alleged match-fixing activities. 

As a consequence, all five players received two-year suspensions effective September 1, 2025, barring them from competing in any Moonton-sponsored MLBB tournaments, including both the MDL and MPL.

"The investigation confirmed that the violation involved Twisted Minds Bear, while the opposing team was cleared of any involvement," MDL Philippines said last Monday. 

"In line with this, MDL Philippines has imposed sanctions on the said players as outlined in the rulebook, specifically under Section 12.3.11 on Unprofessional Behaviour-Match Fixing."

Prior to the incident, Twisted Minds Bear is winless after six games as it sits last in Group A with a 0-6 card. 

MDL Philippines stressed the league is hell-bent in promoting integrity and professionalism, saying match-fixing is a serious violation of the league's standards. 

"As a developmental league, MDL Philippines is committed to instilling integrity and professionalism among aspiring teams and players match-fixing is a serious violation of our values and standards," it said. 

"We will continue to enforce measures that protect fairness and sportsmanship while guiding players toward professional growth."

In 2024, MDL also punished two players from RSG El Ganador and one player from TNC Z4 with three-year suspension each for engaging in match-fixing activities.

Twisted Minds, for its part, said it is condemning any act of match-fixing and announced it has cut ties with Bear Esports. 

The organization also announced that the implicated players are permanently banned from representing the club in any capacity.

GMA News Online is making efforts to reach out to the players for a statement.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News