The LPL (League of Legends Pro League) will continue the 19 Spring Split online for the rest of the regular season to prevent the spread of COVID-2022 and "protect the health and safety" of players, coaches, team personnel and employees.
From March 15, matches will be played online. LGD and WE will play from their respective stadiums in Hangzhou and Xi'an, but all other teams will compete from home.
The Spring Split's regular season started on January 10 and is expected to last until March 25. A date for the playoffs has yet to be announced, but it could start in a few days if the previous year's schedule continues. However, after this new development, the playoffs may be postponed.
The top seven teams in the standings will qualify for the playoffs, and the winner will represent China at the Mid-Season Invitational. Currently, Victory Five, Royal Never Give Up, Weibo Gaming, JD Gaming, EDward Gaming, LNG Esports and Top Esports top the rankings.
Elsewhere, teams in Korea's regional league, the LCK, have also been affected by COVID-19. Over the past few weeks, a large number of players have had to be quarantined, which has resulted in teams recruiting substitutes. Just last week, Fredit BRION and Liiv SANDBOX players missed critical matches due to the virus.
