ESFI: The NASL statement on Team Liquid makes it seem like the Korean's largest problem was money involved with travel expenses and the security deposit ahead of other problems like scheduling, communication issues, lag, and other issues. Is that a fair assessment, from your point of view?
Xeris: Yes, of the three concerns listed to me by Mr.Chae – lag, communication, and scheduling were not present. Their concerns were: 1) pay for travel and accommodation, 2) remove security deposit, 3) pay back all deposits and prize before participating in Season 2.
ESFI: The new deal you offered the Korean teams seems very close to their demands; why didn't NASL just concede to them?
Xeris: As a business, and even at a personal level, you need to stand your grounds. If we were to concede to all their demands, this sends a really bad message to everyone. The next request could be, “we’re going to withdraw from the NASL unless we get business class flights,” and we simply can’t operate in a situation where we can be pushed around. Demands were made to us, and we met them about 80% of the way, we feel that this was more than fair. We are also physically constricted by a budget. We don’t have an infinite amount of money.
ESFI: How does NASL plan to replace the missing 11+ players?
Xeris: We will be sending out invites to some new faces, and some Season 1 players who did not qualify for Season 2. We will be filling the spots with very strong, exciting players!
ESFI: What must Korea and what must the West do to prevent a situation like this from occurring again?
Xeris: Communicate better. I shouldn’t have to be notified by Mr.Chae (who isn’t even involved in this), that there were problems with the league 10 days after contracts were signed. Also, contracts should never be signed unless the party signing is fully aware of the contents of the contract.
