International Esports Federation Suspends Russia’s Membership

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Membership Status

The International Esports Federation has suspended the Russian Esports Federation's membership.

This suspension follows a formal complaint filed by the Ukrainian Esports Federation (UESF). The IESF board finalized the suspension through a secret ballot.

Reason for Suspension

The RESF violated IESF rules by establishing operations in occupied Ukrainian territories.

An investigation by the IESF Membership Committee determined these actions violated governing rules. Specifically, the RESF interfered in the internal affairs of another national body.

Violation Cause. The RESF violated Article E31(i) by establishing offices within Ukrainian territory occupied during the ongoing military conflict.

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Summary

The International Esports Federation (IESF) has suspended the membership of the Russian Esports Federation (RESF) following a formal complaint filed by the Ukrainian Esports Federation (UESF). The suspension stems from the RESF’s establishment of operations within Ukrainian territories occupied during the ongoing military conflict. An investigation by the IESF Membership Committee determined that these actions violated the organization’s governing rules regarding the sovereignty of member federations, specifically the mandate that members must not interfere in the internal affairs of other national bodies.

The IESF board finalized the suspension through a secret ballot, which mandates that Russian competitors may only participate in international events under a neutral flag rather than the Russian national flag. This status remains in effect until the next General Assembly, where members will vote on whether to fully reinstate the RESF or maintain the suspension, or until the RESF addresses the underlying cause of the disciplinary action.

This development follows a contentious period for the IESF, which had previously voted in September 2023 to reinstate Russia, a decision that prompted boycotts from the Ukrainian national teams and criticism from thirteen other international esports federations. While the current suspension restricts the RESF’s voting rights and national representation, industry reports suggest that Russian athletes may still be permitted to compete under neutral status in upcoming international tournaments. The IESF maintains that its actions are intended to uphold values of unity and respect while utilizing the platform of esports for peacebuilding and conflict prevention.