I havent heard anything about Apeks not being allowed to compete in vct
Even the rumors started by some org owners in other regions (...for the 3rd time now) about them having to leave polaris due to owning the TO are anything but confirmed. Theres statements making it very clear that all 3 parties (Riot, Mist and Apeks) are aware of the potential conflict of interest and have taken precautions to make sure it adheres to Riots standards.
If they leave its almost certainly due to reevaluating their investments in Polaris (they have been the lifeblood of the region for an entire year now and still have very few fans in the valorant polaris space)
There have been whispers about them leaving from players in t3 Polaris but I have not heard anything certain from anyone yet.
And please stop comparing shit to the Guard. They didnt sign because they wanted out of esports and we all knew it a year ahead. They wanted to sell their spot after they won and Riot refused.