International Esports Federation Members Vote to Reinstate Russia

Key insights

6 slides

Major vote

The International Esports Federation (IESF) voted to reinstate Russia.

This decision allows Russian national esports athletes to compete under their own flag and name. It reverses previous restrictions on Russian participants.

Leadership presence

Key leadership figures reportedly departed before the vote on Russia's status.

High-ranking representatives, including Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan al Saud of the Saudi Esports Federation, were present in Iași for the championship.

Early departure. Prominent figures, including Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan al Saud of the Saudi Esports Federation, were present at the event, though sources indicate he departed before the vote occurred.

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Summary

The International Esports Federation (IESF) voted in August 2023 to reinstate Russia, allowing its national esports athletes to compete under their own flag and name. This decision reverses previous restrictions imposed on Russian participants due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the Russian Esports Federation, the motion passed with 32 votes in favor, 13 against, and 25 abstentions.

The reinstatement aligns with the broader organizational stance of IESF President Vlad Marinescu, who also serves as the director general of the International Judo Federation, an organization that previously permitted Russian athletes to compete under their national flag. During the same meeting in Iași, Romania, where the IESF World Championship was being hosted, delegates also considered and ultimately rejected motions concerning gender equality and LGBT-related topics.

The proceedings occurred amidst broader scrutiny regarding the IESF’s administrative operations and its relationship with local Romanian government officials. While high-ranking representatives from the Saudi Esports Federation and Jordan were present in the city for the championship, reports indicate that key leadership figures departed the meeting prior to the vote on Russia’s status. The IESF has not provided official commentary regarding the outcome of the vote or the rejected equality motions.