What is the difference between a suspension and a ban?

Hi, I’m asking this because I simply cannot get a reply from the support team and they keep closing my tickets without reading the contents.

I’m not here to discuss anything regarding penalties applied to an account.

What I am here to find out is this:

What is the difference between a suspension and a ban.

As reference, my friend got BANNED (text clearly stated account closure) a while ago.
Meanwhile, I got suspended for a few days.

He quit since it is stated that a previously banned account can’t get end-of-season rewards.

Now, part of my motivation to play this game is for end-of-season rewards.

Again, I am not asking for any personal help or in regards to on-going or previously issued penalties.

I am asking… What is the difference between a suspension and a ban when it comes to end-of-season rewards?

Clearly, there are 3 outcomes.

  1. A suspension does not prevent the account-holder from receiving end-of-season rewards.
  2. A suspension prevents the account-holder from receiving end-of-season rewards for a set period of time.
  3. A suspension permanently prevents the account-holder from receiving end-of-season rewards.

Which one is the case? I do not wish to continue using this account if I cannot compete for end-of-season rewards, so knowing if there is any distinction in general for any current or future account-holder, not me specifically is important.