Showing posts with label federation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label federation. Show all posts

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:

Wednesday, 26 March 2025

Botswana has an esports Federation

Letso Baker, the newly elected President of the Botswana Electronic Sports Federation

The newly created Botswana Electronic Sports Federation  (BESF) has now been accepted into affiliate membership with the IESF.

Certificate of affiliate membership.

Letso Baker had liaised consistently with Colin Webster (President of Mind Sports South Africa - MSSA).

"Letso is energetic, hardworking and disciplined, and the esports community expects great things from both Letso and Botswana as a whole," said Colin Webster.

Boban Totovski, General Secretary of IESF, has sent warm congratulations and has stated that IESF looks forward to collaborating with BESF in the future.

It is therefore, of no surprise, that BESF is already able to put teams forward in the Mobile Legends Bang Bang, PUBGM, and eFootball titles.

All those interested in participating in official international esports events for Botswana should contact Letso Baker on WhatsApp +267 71 702 143

Additional reading:

Other African News:

Thursday, 20 February 2025

Official Game Titles for 2025 IESF WEC25


International Esports Federation (IESF) has confirmed the official game titles for the 2025 IESF Season. The WEC25 will feature five of the most popular Esports titles:

  • Counter-Strike 2,
  • Dota 2,
  • eFootball™ series,
  • Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and
  • PUBG MOBILE.

2025 marks the third consecutive year that IESF has maintained the same lineup, reflecting the consistency and popularity of these titles in the World of Esports.

With 136 member federations organizing National Qualifiers, the road to the 2025 IESF Season is set to be bigger and more competitive than ever. Around the world, national tournaments are already underway, as each federation seeks to crown their nation’s champions who will go on to compete at the highest level.

Igor Nedeski, Esports Manager at IESF, said: “We are proud to continue our collaboration with leading game publishers to ensure the highest quality of competition for the 2025 season. The excitement among athletes is already incredible as they prepare to represent their nations on the grand stage. This year, we anticipate an even higher level of competition as teams and players push the boundaries of Esports.”

The 17th edition of the IESF Season will not only highlight the competitive excellence of esports athletes but also reinforce IESF’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and fair play within the Esports ecosystem.

Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) has participated in every IESF World Championship since the inception of the World Championships in 2009.

Players registered with MSSA may qualify for National Team Trials (NTT) in MSSA events that have been held for one Calendar Year before the National Team Trials are held.

Events still to be held are:

About the International Esports Federation

IESF is the uniting body for World Esports. Founded in 2008 by nine member nations, IESF is currently composed of 146 Member Federations across six continents. IESF brings together all esports stakeholders to achieve a united ecosystem for the development of sustainable and responsible gaming worldwide. The IESF WE Championships is the biggest multi-sport spectacle of esports in the world. IESF also organizes the annual World Esports Summit to support the highest standard of esports governance worldwide.

 

Websiteiesf.org

Twitter: @iesf_official

Instagram: @iesf_official

Facebook:  IESF

LinkedIn: IESF

Media Contact - Ana Karakolevska / ana@iesf.org / (389) 78 733 737

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Other African News:

Monday, 17 February 2025

Pristina to Host IESF European Esports Championship 2025


While Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA) and other African members eagerly await the details of AEC25, International Esports Federation (IESF) has announced that the European Esports Championship 2025 will be hosted in Pristina in partnership with the Esports Federation of Kosovo, with the support of the Government and the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports. This event will bring together over 250 athletes, marking a significant moment for the Esports community in the region and across Europe.

The European Esports Championship will feature top-tier competition in CS2 Open, CS2 Women, and Dota 2, as athletes battle for a chance to represent their nations on the world stage. This event, set to take place in July, promises to be a celebration of Esports excellence, uniting national teams and showcasing the rising talent from across the continent.

“The European Esports Championship is a key moment for Esports in Europe, and we are delighted to bring it to Pristina. The Esports Federation of Kosovo has demonstrated its commitment to the development of competitive gaming, and we are confident that this event will be a fantastic experience for athletes, fans, and the wider Esports community.” - stated Boban Totovski, General Secretary of IESF.

President Altin Preniqi, Esports Federation of Kosovo, also shared his excitement for the event: “Bringing the European Esports Championship to Kosovo is a tremendous milestone for our Esports community. With the support of our government and the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Sports, we are ready to showcase our nation’s passion for Esports and provide a world-class stage for Europe’s best athletes. This event is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of Esports and a chance to inspire the next generation.”

The Esports Federation of Kosovo, as the official event organizer, will oversee the successful execution of this event, ensuring a world-class experience for all participants and fans. With Esports rapidly growing in the region, this championship will further cement its role as a key player in the World of Esports.

Beyond its competition, this event holds deep national pride and importance. It represents an achievement in the region’s Esports journey, demonstrating its capability to host international tournaments. The championship will inspire future generations of gamers while promoting community engagement, economic opportunities, and worldwide recognition.

The IESF European Esports Championship 2025 will not only be a crucial step towards the 2025 Season but will also serve as a milestone in Esports development across Europe.

About the International Esports Federation

IESF is the uniting body for World Esports. Founded in 2008 by nine member nations, IESF is currently composed of 146 Member Federations across six continents. IESF brings together all esports stakeholders to achieve a united ecosystem for the development of sustainable and responsible gaming worldwide. The IESF WE Championships is the biggest multi-sport spectacle of esports in the world. IESF also organizes the annual World Esports Summit to support the highest standard of esports governance worldwide.

 

Websiteiesf.org

Twitter: @iesf_official

Instagram: @iesf_official

Facebook:  IESF

LinkedIn: IESF

Media Contact - Ana Karakolevska / ana@iesf.org / (389) 78 733 737


Additional reading: