Russian Athletes to Compete as Neutral, Russian National Symbols Banned
The International Esports Federation (IESF) today held an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), in accordance with its Statutes, to deliver a democratic decision in regard to sanctions on Russia following invasion of Ukraine.
All IESF members support peace and are against any kind of war. More than 70% of the National Federations voted for the Russian athletes to participate in the World Championship.
The following decision was approved by the majority of IESF’s members and the following sanctions to become effective immediately:
- Athletes from Russia are temporarily suspended from participation in the international events and tournaments organized by IESF under its country/NOC name or abbreviation
- Athletes from Russia will compete under “Team IESF” and will wear the colors and jerseys of IESF
- All symbols (Russian national symbols, Russian state insignia, military signs, letters, nationalistic quotes, quotes, illustrated portraits of people, any kind of illustration, sign language interpretations) is strictly prohibited
- The Russian flag (any kind of flag from the Russian region including organizations or institutions, cities, villages, municipalities or governing regions) are strictly prohibited
Member Federations from both Russia and Ukraine were present at the EGM and had an opportunity to present their view on the situation and the discussion was then open to official representatives from IESF’s Member Federations, followed by a vote.
IESF President Vlad Marinecsu said: “Today, IESF held an Extraordinary General Meeting, in accordance with the Statutes that have been shaped by our Member Federations, and delivered a democratic decision on the status of the Russian Esports Federation and the participation of athletes from Russia in IESF events. The IESF is committed to promoting peace and development throughout the world’s esports community. In order to reaffirm our support towards the Ukrainian esports Federation, IESF remains committed to supporting the athletes above all and providing all Ukrainian athletes with a direct slot and wildcards for the participation in the 14th WE Championships. We aim for a safe and supportive environment where they have the tools and resources to perform at their full potential while embodying the values of respect, peace, unity and friendship.”
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 123 Member Federations across five 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 in order to support the highest standard of esports governance worldwide.
