On 31st March 2020, the International Esports Federation signed an MoU with Asian Electronic Sports Federation for collaborating together to promote and advance esports globally as well as across the Asian continent. Under this MOU, the IESF recognizes and acknowledges the AESF as the sole federation for esports in Asia. The AESF recognizes and acknowledges the IESF as the sole international federation for esports.
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the signing ceremony was conducted remotely and digitally in the home nations of all signatories of this important partnership, including Hong Kong, Johannesburg, and Abu Dhabi, as well as messages from other parts of the World.
This is a significant step for Asian esports that will also have an impact globally. It is expected that other continental federations will also be part of this alliance working collectively in the interests of esports, the safeguarding and protection of players being a top priority. This MOU unites in one umbrella all Member Associations and Federations, thereby confirming a clear and transparent structure of esports globally.
Colin Webster, President OF IESF said “The MOU between the IESF and the AESF further reinforces IESF’s position as the only true international federation for esports. The IESF was founded in 2008 and today is the largest international federation of its kind and is acknowledged to be the leader in its field. The MOU thus solidifies the IESF’s position, as well as that of the AESF. Together, the two federations will ensure a greater degree of delivery and expertise, as well as ensuring the development and recognition of esports as a sport.”
Kenneth Fok, President of AESF said “I am sure that the partnership today is strong enough to unite the esports community, including publishers, organisations, and most importantly our esports players. It is also groundbreaking as it paves the way for better collaboration and cooperation between the International Esports Federation, IESF and the Asian Electronic Sports Federation, AESF. This is an exciting day for us and we look forward to new initiatives from this partnership. Lastly, I like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved.”
“Esports is becoming ever more prominent in mainstream culture, the need for relevant governance structures, education programs and development pathways to support the growth globally is essential to ensure the welfare and integrity of all that participate, fostering healthy and positive behaviors. The spirit of the games must be first and foremost,” said HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Executive Board Member of IESF. “The closer relationship between both the IESF and AESF will provide the credibility and legitimacy of these activities, and we encourage other continental federations to be part of this growing family.”