FPX Terminates kovaQ’s Contract Over “Inappropriate” In-Game Chat

FunPlus Phoenix (FPX) has announced the termination of the contract of Valorant player Blendi ‘kovaQ’ Kovaci following “inappropriate” in-game communication with teammates.

The Chinese organization announced on Weibo that it would cut all ties with the player following the incident, stating, “the club has decided to terminate all partnership and contractual relations with player kovaQ (Kovaci Blendi), effective immediately.”

Former Vitality player kovaQ’s contract terminated

Best known in the West for his stint with Team Vitality, kovaQ made his Tier 1 debut with the French organization, playing from June to October of last year with the org before getting benched following VCT EMEA Stage 2.

After a brief stint at CGN Esports, the Controller signed for FunPlus Phoenix in time to play Stage 1 for the organization, finishing a disappointing 11th-12th in both VCT China Stages in 2026.

However, the player’s performance was not at the heart of his removal from the organization, but rather an in-game message sent as a whisper to his own teammates.

The Swiss/Albanian is alleged to have shared a racial slur referring to Asians in the whisper of a VCT contest, resulting in the player’s initial suspension from the active roster, as well as suspension of salary and from training pending the league’s investigation.

Ahead of that investigation’s findings, FunPlus Phoenix has decided to cut ties with the player entirely, terminating kovaQ’s contract, adding that “Subsequent tournament arrangements will be finalized based on the league’s final ruling and regulations.”

The organization provided the following statement on their Weibo account (translated):

“Recently, during in-game communication with teammates, our player kovaQ made inappropriate remarks. The club attaches great importance to this matter, immediately initiated an internal investigation, emergency management, and verification reporting, suspended his training, match participation, and salary, while cooperating with the league’s investigation.

After careful consideration, the club has decided to terminate all partnership and contractual relations with player kovaQ (Kovaci Blendi), effective immediately. Subsequent tournament arrangements will be finalized based on the league’s final ruling and regulations.

Professional players are required not only to abide by competitive rules on the field, but also to consistently maintain professional ethics, strictly constrain their words and actions, and take full responsibility for their conduct and its consequences. FPX Esports Club has always held a clear and firm stance opposing any inappropriate remarks or improper expressions. At the same time, because subsequent roster adjustments must follow relevant rules, we will coordinate and communicate according to the actual situation to make every effort to ensure the smooth progress of the team’s upcoming matches.

We deeply apologize for the negative impact caused by this incident. Moving forward, the club will take this as a lesson, continuously strengthen daily education and management regarding player professionalism, behavioral standards, and discipline requirements to prevent similar situations from occurring again.

Thank you to everyone for your attention and supervision.

FPX Esports Club Valorant Division”

Share your thoughts with us on the Insider Gaming Discord.

You can also see how LCK and VCT org DRX Is Making K-dramas and Mobile Games. And for even more Insider Gaming delivered directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.