Tuesday, 2 June 2026

Official Statement from Iraqi Esports Federation apropo ENC


The Iraqi Esports Federation would like to clarify its official position regarding the Electronic Nations Championship (ENC) in order to present the facts clearly to players, fans, and the public.

The Iraqi Esports Federation confirms that the organization behind this tournament, which is associated with the Esports World Cup (EWC), still lacks professionalism, proper governance, and legitimate sporting recognition in the way it handles official national federations. Furthermore, the Iraqi Esports Federation has no official partnership or formal cooperation with this organization up to this moment.

Below are the key points regarding this matter:

Official communications were made through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports regarding the officially recognized body authorized to represent esports in Iraq. Accordingly, the Iraqi Ministry of Youth and Sports referred the matter to the Iraqi Esports Federation as the officially recognized authority. The Federation then submitted a complete and professional official response containing all required information regarding its legitimacy, activities, and organizational structure.

After a significant delay, Iraq’s partnership request was rejected without any clear explanation or official justification, despite the Federation requesting clarification regarding the reasons behind the decision. Therefore, the Federation believes that the rejection was not based on technical or administrative matters, but rather on other undisclosed reasons that remain unanswered.

Initially, Iraq was not expected to participate in any competition organized by this entity due to its lack of official international sporting legitimacy or recognition by the International Olympic Committee or other recognized sporting authorities. However, the Executive Office of the Iraqi Esports Federation decided, in support of Iraqi players and to avoid depriving them of participation opportunities, to allow participation for this year only, in hopes that Iraq’s official partnership and recognition will be accepted in future editions of the tournament, should it continue.

The organizing company appointed a foreign team manager responsible for selecting players representing Iraq without consulting the Iraqi Esports Federation, and without providing any transparency regarding the selection process or criteria. This represents a clear bypass of the official authority responsible for managing Iraq’s national esports teams.

The Iraqi Esports Federation confirms that it bears no responsibility for any organizational, administrative, or legal matters related to players participating in this tournament, including visa procedures or governmental coordination, as the tournament is not officially organized, approved, or supervised by the Federation.

The Iraqi Esports Federation had previously submitted an official request to change the title of the EWC from “World Cup” to “Club Championship,” due to the confusion this naming creates with the official Esports World Championship organized by the International Esports Federation (IESF).

Allowing participation this year is considered an exception made solely in support of Iraqi players. However, if the current situation continues without official recognition or respect toward the Iraqi Esports Federation, no Iraqi teams or players may participate in future editions, similar to the boycott decisions taken by several other countries.

The Iraqi Esports Federation will submit official complaints against this organization to the International Esports Federation (IESF), the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF), as well as Asian and international Olympic authorities. This action is based on the Federation’s status as one of the few esports federations holding full Olympic recognition within its country, and as the sole legitimate authority responsible for governing esports and international representation for Iraq. The Federation is also an active participant in competitions under the Olympic Council of Asia.

In conclusion, the Iraqi Esports Federation emphasizes that Iraq — the land of civilizations, history, and creativity — cannot simply be ignored or sidelined in international sporting platforms. Iraq, which has contributed greatly to humanity and produced talents and champions across many fields, today possesses a talented generation of esports players who deserve proper respect, support, and representation under their national identity.

As the officially recognized Olympic esports authority in Iraq, the Iraqi Esports Federation will continue defending the rights of Iraqi players and protecting the legitimacy of Iraqi esports. The Federation will not accept any attempt to bypass official institutions or undermine Iraq’s sporting position.

We also call upon all international and regional organizations to respect the sovereignty of nations and their official entities, and to act with professionalism, fairness, and transparency. Sports were created to unite people and build bridges — not to marginalize countries or exclude legitimate institutions.

We further assure our audience and Iraqi players that the Federation will always stand beside them and work tirelessly to ensure Iraqi players raise their country’s flag proudly in the world’s biggest competitions through official and honorable representation worthy of Iraq’s name, history, and legacy.

At the same time, we express our full support to all Iraqi teams and players participating in this year’s edition, wishing them success and the best possible representation of Iraq despite all challenges and circumstances. You represent the ambition of Iraqi youth and the spirit of this nation, and we hope your participation reflects the greatness of Iraq and its proud history.

Iraq has always been present — through its voice, its youth, and its unbreakable ambition.

Iraqi Esports Federation

Additional reading:

Athlete's rights:

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Friday, 17 April 2026

REMINDER - 6th KWAZULU NATAL Online Esports Provincial Championships - 18 April 2026.


With a number of international events likely to happen in 2026 it is always better to enter MSSA events earlier rather than later in order to qualify for MSSA's National Team Trials.

Previously MSSA brought out a post on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, titled "Important Official Announcement!" in which MSSA stated that National Team Trials would be held on 25 April 2026. 

However, it must be noted that IESF has still not advised its membership of affiliated National Federations of the date and venue of its WEC26 (World Esports Championships), therefore all members and athletes must be aware that:

1. The Online Provincial Championships  shall still be held on 25 April 2026, and that

2. The date for National Team Trials will be announced as soon as IESF has has announced its WEC26.

The good news is that all athletes have another event in the Online Provincial Championships - 25 April 2026 to qualify for National Team Trials (NTT).

It is in MSSA's National Team Trials that teams will be selected for Protea teams that will officially represent South Africa in international events.

Remember that you cannot officially represent South Africa in an international event unless selected by MSSA.

MSSA's KwaZulu Natal Online Esports Provincial Championships  to be held on 18 April 2026 offers all esports athletes the first chance in 2026 to to qualify for National Team Trials. Thus the hunt is on for the 2026 National Protea Esports Teams. 

To have a chance to qualify for selection, players must be members of an affiliated club and qualify for National Team Trials at a MSSA event.

In order to participate, players must be registered for the 2025/2026 season.

The championship shall be held on 18 April 2026.

As usual Waylander Gaming is streaming the MLBB matches on behalf of Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) on:


Game titles to be played are:

Period/genreTitlePlatformAge restrictionPlayers
Shooter
CS 2PC165 v 5
PUBGMMobile181 v 1
ValorantPC165 v 5
Sport
EA SPORTS™ FC 26Console121 v 1
eFootballConsole121 v 1
eBasketball - eFIBAConsole121 v 1
Rocket LeaguePC121 v 1 and 3 v 3
MOBA
Clash of ClansMobile125 v 5
Clash RoyaleMobile121 v 1
DotA 2PC125 v 5
League of LegendsPC125 v 5
Mobile Legends Bang BangMobile124 v 4
Fighting
Tekken 8Console161 v 1
Street Fighter 6Console121 v 1

Tournament Structure:


As per the MSSA's rules, being:

  • If less than six teams, the championship shall be a Round Robin Championship
  • If 6 to 10 teams enter the championship there shall be four rounds as played to the Swiss System
  • If 11 or more teams enter the championship there shall be five rounds as played to the Swiss System

Eligibility:

  • Any team consisting of players who are Registered Players affiliated to a MSSA member club may enter.

Entries:

  • Entry is R100.00 per Registered Player.
  • Only fully-paid-up Registered Players may participate in this event.
  • Entries must be submitted by midnight 17 April 2026
  • To enter, the club must complete the Google Drive document. 
  • The entry form may be found on Google Drive. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xggSHejr_fG4X5pAiGZVp6OmqQtdjA_1FeWtsGZr2Jo/edit?gid=0#gid=0
  • Clubs are to download the entry form, completed the downloaded form, and e-mail it to Mind Sports South Africa. 
  • Photographs of players must accompany the entry.
  • Only entries submitted via email and on Excel shall be accepted.
  • All players must be on MSSA's Discord at 9H00 - https://discord.gg/wp63EaU

Medals shall be handed over to winners at the next MSSA LAN that they attend. 


      MALE:

  • PREMIER: Medals shall be awarded to the first three teams.
  • UNDER 24: Medals shall be awarded to the first three teams that have not won a Premier medal and which are comprised entirely of students currently registered at any officially recognized University.
  • SCHOLARS: Medals shall be awarded to the first three teams of learners currently registered at any officially recognized school, provided they have not received any Premier medals. 

        FEMALE:

  • PREMIER: Medals shall be awarded to the first three teams.
  • UNDER 24: Medals shall be awarded to the first three teams that have not won a Premier medal and which are comprised entirely of students currently registered at any officially recognized University.
  • SCHOLARS: Medals shall be awarded to the first three teams of learners currently registered at any officially recognized school, provided they have not received any Premier medals.

Colours:


  • Protea Colours: Only Players that are selected to represent South Africa in International Championships may earn National Colours if the Protea Colours Board's criteria are met.
  • National Colours: All Players that win all of their Matches at a National Championship will earn National Colours.
  • Provincial Colours: All Players that win all of their Matches at a Provincial Championship will earn Provincial Colours. All Players who score within the top 50% in a specific Period at a Provincial Championship, and who also score within the top 50% at a National Championship in the same period and in the same year, will earn Provincial Colours.

        General:

        • The championship shall be played on: 18 April 2026.
        • The first round will start at 10H00. Players shall be given 60 minutes to complete each round.
        • Players playing 3 v 3 Rocket League shall be given 1.5 hours to complete the round.
        • The championship is accredited as being of the same status as a provincial championship. 
        • The championship shall be used for the awarding of provincial colours;
        • The championship shall be used for the awarding of medals for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in Premier, Under 24, and School categories;
        • The championship shall be used for the ability to qualify for National Team Squad.
        • All medals shall be awarded to the recipients at a MSSA LAN championships.

        Umpires:

        • Umpires may only be contacted over Discord on the day of competition. Any communication not on the Discord channel shall not be entered into.

        Ladder:

        • All games shall count towards the National Ladder.

        Shout casting:

        Additional reading:

        Athlete's rights:

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        Saturday, 21 March 2026

        Proteas match against Mongolia is being streamed at 7H45.


        The South African Protea Esports Team for the DotA 2 is currently at the GEG25 in Mumbai, India and are battling it out against some of the finest teams in the world.

        The team has already beaten Argentina and unfortunately lost to Turkiye.

        The team is now to take on the might of Mongolia...

        The South African Protea Esports Team for the DotA 2 consists of:

        • Matthew "bee" Raubach (Captain)
        • Callum "sk3p" Foster
        • Barend "Berend" van Staden
        • Lennard "remedy" Koekemoer
        • Suhail "Soup" Khan

        Johan van Breda (MSSA National Team Manager) said, "This is the best team that we have ever put into the field, and our team is 'pumped' and ready to go."

        As usual Waylander Gaming is streaming the match on behalf of Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) on:

        Additional reading:

        Athlete's rights:

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        Friday, 20 March 2026

        The Protea Esports Team for the DotA 2 Title has landed

        The team ready to leave! Absent from the photo are Callum Foster and Sub. Mark Lehle.

        On the anniversary of Thomas Thornton becoming the first South African passenger on a flight, the South African Protea Esports Team for the DotA 2 Title landed in Mumbai, India on 19 March 2026.

        The South African Protea Esports Team for the DotA 2 Title flew to Mumai to participate in the Global Esports Games in Mumbai from 19-22 March 2026. The Global Esports Federation's (GEF) flagship, Global Esports Games Mumbai, is organized by Eflag Corp with the support of Maharashtra Tourism. GEG Mumbai features 70 esports athletes from 23 countries and territories. This premier event will also feature GEFcon and GEFestival.

        But what a job to get there...

        Flights had to be rerouted to avoid Dubai at the last minute as Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) believes that the safety of its athletes is paramount, and MSSA would have rather withdrawn its team rather than put any of the athletes in danger.

        Fortunately GEF was of the same mind, and new flights were obtained via Ugandan Airways.

        Thus after !7 hours, the team safely landed on 19 March 2026 in Mumbai - tired, but ready to do battle.

        Even Sir Paul Foster, President of GEF, was heard to exclaim at the arrival of the South African Team, "the         team looks terrific. Great representation of RSA. First nation to be announced on stage."

        The team consists of:

        • Matthew "bee" Raubach (Captain)
        • Callum "sk3p" Foster
        • Barend "Berend" van Staden
        • Lennard "remedy" Koekemoer
        • Suhail "Soup" Khan
        • Mark "Frank" Lehle (Sub)

        As usual, MSSA knows the team will do South Africa proud!

        Additional reading:

        Athlete's rights:

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