Improving the Esports Experience with Project Stryker and AWS
Sports Law in 2022 – Key issues to watch in Europe
Esports in Italy: Key Labour Issues & why a uniform legal framework is vital for its success
Sportsflare joins ESIC as an Anti-Corruption Supporter
Sportsflare is the latest company to join ESIC in its fight against betting fraud and corruption in esports, joining over 40 Anti-Corruption Supporters around the world. Being an Anti-Corruption Supporter, Sportsflare will assist ESIC in investigating suspicious betting activity across their betting platform, endorsing ESIC’s greater effort against match-fixing and betting fraud within esports.
ESIC Declassified Report Into Allegations Against Players for Complicity
- On 2nd September 2020, ESIC made its first public statement about exploitation of a spectator bug in CS:GO. Among the first three coaches sanctioned at the end of August 2020 was then Heroic coach, Nicolai “HUNDEN” Petersen (“Mr. Petersen”), who was banned for his exploitation of the spectator bug during professional play.
LawInSport Weekly News Recap - 24 September
Welcome to LawInSport’s weekly News Roundup. This recap highlights this week’s news pieces from across the world of sport. For further updates, please visit our news section.
We hope you find this useful. If you have any related questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
INTERPOL: Integrity in sport - bi-weekly bulletin - 7-20 September
INVESTIGATIONS
Belgium
Belgian police to investigate possible basketball fraud case
BRUSSELS (AP) — The Belgian basketball federation has asked the country’s federal police to investigate a possible fraud case related to the organization of 3x3 tournaments in the runup to the Tokyo Olympics.
Following discussions with the local Wallonia and Flanders federations, Basketball Belgium said in a statement on Tuesday that it contacted a police unit specialized in sports fraud to conduct a “thorough investigation.”
The federation said a disciplinary inquiry was being carried out by Basketball Flanders in addition to a criminal complaint.
De Standaard newspaper reported last month that fake 3x3 basketball tournaments were set up in Belgium from August to October 2019 in a bid to allow the Belgium team to collect the necessary points to be able to take part in qualifying for the Olympic Games.
IESF continues to unite the world of Esports with acceptance of three new continental federations
The International Esports Federation has announced the PanAmerican Esports Confederation (PAMESCO), the European Esports Federation (EEF) and the African Esports Association (AESA) as the latest Continental Esports Federations to join the World Esports Family.
With the signing of these three regional federations, IESF has now unified all continents in the world. Driven by its values of unity, inclusion, and respect, IESF believes this kind of international cooperation will advance the growth of professional Esports, streamline organizational structure and support the development of smaller nations in the PanAmerican, European and African regions.
Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) unveils a new partnership with China Mobile Migu to further bolster the future of Digital Esports across Asia.
The Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) is proud to announce the latest collaboration and partnership program with China Mobile’s Migu.
ESIC Issues 2 year ban to Nicolai “Hunden” Petersen for breach of ESIC Code of Conduct
OVERVIEW:
On Tuesday 6th July, ESIC received notification that Nicolai “HUNDEN” Petersen had allegedly engaged in behaviour that could be classified as a breach of ESIC’s Integrity Program. Upon receiving this notification, ESIC commenced an investigation, reviewing the evidence then available and pursuing other investigative lines of enquiry.
ESIC Launches ‘Transparency Initiative’ to Bolster Visibility of Investigative Work and Outcomes
OVERVIEW:
- ESIC is an integrity body that oversees member events across a variety of different esports titles. ESIC administers (on average) 15-30 investigations concurrently at any one time.
- Due to ESIC’s current (but resolving) resourcing constraints, it is often limited to functions that are essential to its investigatory activity and therefore has on occasion not held the capacity to provide convenient updates to the public on ongoing matters in a timely manner.
- Irrespective of resourcing constraints, most of the matters that ESIC is currently investigating are highly sensitive and confidential and publicity about them could not only undermine the investigation itself, but also potentially damage the reputation of innocent parties subsequently found to have not participated in corrupt activity. ESIC therefore exercises a high degree of caution in making any statement about ongoing matters.
- However, ESIC is aware that the growing public interest in its activities and demand for information to be made available is something that it needs to resolve. It is important that ESIC provide a reliable and proportionate level of insight into the activities it undertakes so as to bolster public confidence in the integrity of esports and of ESIC as its guardian.
ESIC’s novel sanctioning methods in the CS:GO “coach spectator bug” case
IESF and Esports BAR partner to help build a sustainable esports environment
The International Esports Federation (IESF) and Esports BAR are pleased to announce a partnership that will help accelerate the development of professional Esports around the world.
IESF & MEI partner to support the development of esports in China
The International Esports Federation (IESF) and Major Events International (MEI) are delighted to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further the development of professional Esports in China.
At a time where the Esports industry is growing exponentially year on year, the MoU aims to support IESF’s strategy to expand responsible gaming in China. China has been a member of IESF since 2016. This involves promoting wider participation, hosting more competitions and creating a stronger brand presence. IESF will have access to MEI’s strong local presence in China and work together with MEI’s Chinese regional office to achieve these objectives.
AESF Seals MoU with South Korea’s Game Ratings and Administration Committee (GRAC)
The Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Games Ratings and Administration Committee of South Korea (GRAC) which will further bolster the preparations for esports at the AESF Game Title Selection Pool Program for future Esports events.
ESIC Hands Down 12 Month Bans to Three Individuals in Legends of Runeterra Cheating Incident
Mongolian Esports Association formalises ESIC Membership
Mongolian Esports Association (MESA) has formalised membership with ESIC, marking an important step in MESA’s mission to develop the esports environment in Mongolia by adapting ESIC’s international standards and regulations. MESA will adopt and implement the current ESIC Codes in their operations to uphold and protect the integrity of esports competition.
New Zealand Esports Federation becomes an ESIC member
ESIC welcomes the government-recognised National Sporting Organisation (NSO), New Zealand Esports Federation (NZESF), as the latest organisation to join ESIC in its efforts towards a uniform standard for integrity in esports.
Appeal outcome: Independent Appeal panel in the matter of Anton Georgiev
On 4 September 2020, the Esports Integrity Commission (hereinafter referred as to “ESIC”) announced an investigation into an abuse of a bug (hereinafter referred as to the “Spectator Bug”) in the CS:GO’s spectator mode. ESIC together with Mr. Michal Slowinski’s help investigated about the wrongful use of said exploit.
Along with the Statement “Esports Integrity Commission Opens Inquiry into Historical Spectator Bug Exploitation’ a Confession Period was granted. This period was foreseen for any offending parties that wanted to come forward ahead of the investigation with an admission of wrongdoing. Said Period opened as of the date of the Statement’s release, 4th of September 2020, and closed on the 13th of September 2020 at 23:00 CET.
Will Olympic Agenda 2020+5 Pave The Way For Inclusion Of Virtual Sports?
Varsity Esports Foundation joins ESIC as a New Member
The Varsity Esports Foundation (VEF) has officially become a member of the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC). VEF’s membership with ESIC highlights the Foundation’s commitment to adopting and promoting ESIC’s Integrity Program, ethical standards, and Anti-Corruption mechanisms within their esports operations.
Future legal & regulatory challenges in esports to be discussed at the LawInSport 6th Annual Conference 2020
The future legal & regulatory challenges in esports panel takes place on 10 November 2020 at 2pm GMT/9am EST. Our leading industry and legal experts will discuss the key legal challenges facing the esport industry worldwide, ranging from governance and player welfare concerns to regulatory issues.
UCC Enters into ESIC Membership
Tournament Operator UCC has officially joined the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) as a member, marking an important step in UCC’s development into an organisation utilising internationally recognised integrity codes and regulations. UCC’s membership demonstrates its commitment to maintaining integrity in its esports operations and joining the wider battle against corruption and match manipulation within esports.
Loot boxes: Why gaming and esports need to engage in the UK’s review of the Gambling Act
Sports Innovation Lab joins as Global Supporter for content strategy
The Global Esports Federation announces the appointment of Sports Innovation Lab as Global Supporter, aimed at further enhancing the GEF’s mission to promote the credibility, legitimacy and prestige of esports. Through this global partnership, Sports Innovation Lab will develop the GEF’s global events portfolio, including the landmark GEFcon – the Global Esports Federation’s convention, thought-leadership and dialogue platform.
How The Microsoft-Activision Deal Could Impact Gaming & Esports
Key Sports Law Cases And Developments Of 2021 – Asia, Africa & Oceania
Venezuelan Federation of Electronic Esports - IESF's Member Nation
To succeed in our mission to create a united World Esport we need really big support and the biggest support we get is from our 111 Member nations, national federations from all around the world!
It’s really important to show you who are our Member Nations!
Today we are presenting the Venezuelan Federation of Electronic Esports.
Macedonian Esports Federation - IESF's Member Nation
To succeed in our mission to create a united World Esport we need really big support and the biggest support we get is from our 109 Member nations, national federations from all around the world!
It’s really important to show you who are our Member Nations!
Today we are presenting the Macedonian Esports Federation!
Russian Esports Federation - IESF's member nation
To succeed in our mission to create a united World Esports we need really big support and the biggest support we get is from our 109 Member nations, national federations from all around the world.
It’s really important to show you who are our Member Nations!
Starting with the Russian Esports Federation, one of the oldest esports federations in the world!
Promod Esports becomes an ESIC Member
ESIC is delighted to welcome Promod Esports into membership, supporting ESIC’s mission towards a uniform standard for integrity in esports. As part of its membership, Promod Esports will integrate ESIC’s integrity codes and standards into its esports operations, encouraging fair play and sporting integrity across their platforms. Joining a long list of industry leaders in membership, Promod Esports reinforces their operational commitment to competitive integrity, youth protection, and commercial viability of the international esports industry.
LawInSport Weekly News Recap - 17 September
Welcome to LawInSport’s weekly News Roundup. This recap highlights this week’s news pieces from across the world of sport. For further updates, please visit our news section.
We hope you find this useful. If you have any related questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Riot Games provides Annual Diversity and Inclusion Progress Report - August 2021
Since we started our D&I journey, we made a promise to keep you updated on our progress. We created this report to share that journey which includes both our accomplishments and the challenges we still need to overcome. There is much work to be done not just at Riot Games, but across the industry. It is our collective responsibility to make our workplaces inclusive and safe not just for a handful of people, but for all of us.
Why esports must adopt a child-first culture to protect participants and the industry
ESIC Update Regarding NA ESEA Match-Fixing Investigation
OVERVIEW:
For some time now, ESIC has been investigating several instances of match-fixing behaviour which took place in the North American region amongst CS:GO players participating in an ESEA tournament series. While this investigation is still ongoing, ESIC has made this release for the purposes of issuing an interim update.
To date, this investigation has been subject to significant cooperation with law enforcement agencies, anti-corruption supporters, and other stakeholders in order to ensure that the behaviour being perpetrated is thoroughly investigated and prosecuted under ESIC’s Anti-Corruption Code.
As of the date of this interim release, ESIC announces sanctions against three participants and is still in the process of conducting 34 additional investigations relating to this matter.
Notably, ESIC has observed compelling evidence that suggests that organised crime groups and foreign betting syndicates were involved in fraudulent activities during the course of Season 35 of the ESEA Premier: North America.
Exeedme is Portuguese Esports Federation new partner
The Portuguese Esports Federation (PESF) announces a new partnership agreement with Exeedme, the first Portuguese Play2Earn platform.
Under the agreement, Exeedme will sponsor the Portuguese national teams in the European Nations Cup and Esports World Championship, competitions organized by the European Federation of Esports (EEF) and the International Federation of Esports (IESF), and provide the platform to organize the qualifiers to determine the Portuguese rosters of the national teams.
Esports Technologies joins ESIC as an Anti Corruption Supporter
Esports Technologies joins ESIC as an Anti Corruption Supporter
ESIC welcomes Esports Technologies (NASDAQ: EBET) as an ESIC Anti-Corruption Supporter. With the support of Esports Technologies, ESIC continues the battle against match-fixing and corruption in esports.
Anti-Corruption Supporters assist ESIC in investigating suspicious betting activity, supporting our larger mission in combating cheating and betting fraud in the esports industry.
Sports Technology And Media Rights - The Year In Review 2020/2021
ESIC Statement Regarding Nicolai “HUNDEN” Petersen
STATEMENT:
Due to the publication of a statement by Nicolai “Hunden” Petersen, relating to a matter that is still undergoing investigation, ESIC has decided to issue its own statement, in both the public’s interest and to avoid speculation.
38 suspicious betting alerts reported by IBIA in Q2 2021
14 July 2021: The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) reported 38 cases of suspicious betting to the relevant authorities during the second quarter (Q2) of 2021. The Q2 2021 total represents a 41% decrease in reported alerts when compared to the Q1 total of 64 and represents a similar decrease when compared to the Q2 2020 total, which saw 65 alerts. The Q2 alerts covered football (16 cases), table tennis (9), tennis (6), eSports (6) and beach volleyball (1). From a geographical perspective, Europe accounted for nearly half (47%) of all alerts reported, followed by Asia and South America with 13% each.
ESIC Issues Additional Sanction Against Player Lim Vi Ron (“Hiroshi”) for Participating in Member Event While Banned
Ultimate Tournament joins ESIC as Anti-Corruption Supporter
Esports betting operator Ultimate Tournament eSportsbook™ is the newest addition to ESIC’s dedicated list of Anti-Corruption Supporters. In this capacity, Ultimate Tournament will assist ESIC in investigating suspicious betting activity across their betting platform, endorsing ESIC’s greater effort against match-fixing and betting fraud within the esports betting industry.
Anti-Corruption Supporters like Ultimate Tournament work with ESIC by providing information needed for initiating and conducting investigations on match-fixing and betting fraud.
Fighting Fraud And Match Fixing In Esports - ESIC Refer Team Akuma Case To Valve
ESIC REFERS EVIDENCE RELATING TO POTENTIAL MATCH-FIXING AND BETTING FRAUD IN RMR EVENT TO VALVE
EPIC’s CIS RMR event has been the subject of public controversy for various reasons. As EPIC is not a member of ESIC, ESIC has not taken steps to investigate the extent of integrity threats in the event. However, on 9 June 2021, ESIC has made a referral to Valve including substantial evidence indicating the existence of potential betting fraud perpetrated by individuals participating or associated with those who were participating in the CIS RMR event run by EPIC.
ESIC has received evidence via its global Suspicious Betting Alert Network (SBAN) that the CEO of Project X, the team from which the Akuma roster emerged, Oleksandr Shyshko, has an active CSGO betting account and has placed numerous bets on highly suspicious Project X matches (when most of the current Akuma roster were playing as Project X) and, crucially, made accurate pre-match bets on the outcome of the Virtus Pro v Akuma match in the CIS RMR, the conduct of which match is subject to the current public cheating allegations against Akuma.
AESF marks historic debut at the CIIE
It was a historic week for both the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) and the China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2020 last week, as the sole esports governing body in Asia officially took part in the annual trade co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government.
Extreme E confirms partnership with Swiss channel MySports
All new electric off-road rally series Extreme E has confirmed MySports as an official broadcasting partner. The Swiss channel joins a burgeoning roster of channels to air the revolutionary new type of motorsport.
Joint Statement by the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) and ESEA regarding sanctions against seven CS:GO players for betting offences
ESIC and ESEA have been jointly investigating multiple instances of breaches of ESIC’s Anti-Corruption Code within the Mountain Dew League (“MDL”) by several individuals.
Appeal Result: Sergey ‘LMBT’ Bezhanov
Sergey ‘LMBT’ Bezhanov, one of the coaches originally implicated in the sanctions issued by ESIC on the 28th of September 2020, has provided further information to ESIC which has satisfied the Commissioner to take an action in rescinding the ban due to the compelling nature of the evidence which, upon ESIC’s examination was verified and corroborated by various third parties.
IESF signs MOU with KADA to bring synergies on anti-doping standard
International Esports Federation (IESF) is pleased to announce the MOU signing with Korea Anti-Doping Agency (KADA).
