Unlike in the EA SPORTS FC 25 competitions, the back five remains banned in the VBL Club Championship in 2024/25 as well. It was not only the DFL officials who spoke out in favor of this.
From Monday’s “very clear tendency,” certainty has emerged: In the VBL Club Championship (VBLCC), all formations that include a three-man or five-man backline will be banned and banned in 2024/25, as in the previous season. In doing so, the German eFootball league is deciding against the approach taken by the developer in eSports: In the FC 25 tournaments organized by EA SPORTS, the three-man and five-man chains are currently allowed again after being banned last year.
The decision for the VBLCC was made after consultation with the old and new Player Council and the DFL’s eFootball Commission. At the most recent media conference, the eSports players present had already spoken out against the five-man chain. “Personally, I think that the back five should be banned,” said world champion Anders Vejrgang. The Dane from RBLZ Gaming also believes ‘that most players would be in favor of a ban.’ The VBLCC measure seems to prove him right.
Danger of international adaptation problems?
The German club and individual champion Jonas Wirth was diplomatic and said he had no opinion on the matter. However, the new Bochum resident also stated that “many players who don’t defend too well could have an advantage with the back five.” Conversely, it is difficult to score against corresponding formations, as Ulms Serhat Öztürk said. Which in turn leads to a smaller skill gap – the differences in playing quality are less apparent.
This problem will be resolved before the new VBLCC season. However, another problem could arise: if the eSports players never play against back fives in the high-frequency domestic league, there could be difficulties adapting at the international level. However, since the decision was made in consultation with, among others, the Player Council – the VBL’s players’ council – the pros should be aware of this. It remains to be seen whether this will have a negative impact on other tournaments after the strong German performance at the FC Pro Open Regional Qualifier.