Vlad Marinescu has been appointed President of the International Esports Federation (IESF), after Colin Webster stepped down. 

In a statement Webster said he had been forced to step down due to “circumstances relating directly from the COVID-19 crisis, and the ever increasing challenging situation in South Africa related to travel restrictions.” 

His Highness Shiekh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Sultan Al Najayan has taken Marinescu’s former position of Vice President. The changes were unanimously approved by the IESF board, and both Marinescu and the Shiekh will hold their positions until the next Ordinary General Assembly. Webster himself will remain on the board, advising in legal and financial matters. 

Under Webster’s stewardship, the South Korea-based IESF’s membership grew from 30 federations to more than 70 from a growing list of countries, including; Egypt, Namibia, South Africa, Tunisia, Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Rep., Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, United States, China, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Myanmar, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Syria, UAE, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Czech Rep., Denmark, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Macedonia, Netherlands, Polad, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Australia, and New Zealand.

Explaining his decision to step down, Webster said:

“I have always believed that a leader, like the organization itself, must always serve its members. The challenges of the current crisis has sorely tested my efficacy in serving those who elected me, and after long and hard introspection, I believe that Vlad Marinescu and His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Sultan Al Nahayan would be better suited to lead IESF in these troubled times.

“I have absolute confidence knowing that the IESF will continue to flourish through this next chapter. There is no doubt in my mind that IESF shall continue to unite that which is fractious, protect the esports athlete, and deliver more than ever before.”

While Marinescu added:

“We are truly indebted to President Webster. His life has been committed to public service. We are fortunate that we managed to convince him to stay on the board to continue to provide sage advice. The solid foundations that IESF is built upon is down to Colin who has shown tremendous leadership in growing IESF as a truly global esports governing body.

“IESF, a purely non profit association, was established in 2008. During the next period I will dedicate myself to continuing the mission proposed by Colin and together with the united IESF Board, we will ensure to serve our members while growing and uniting the esports world further.”

AYO.NEWS says:

The impact of the COVID-19 crisis is being felt in many ways, across all industries, and being located in South Africa, away from the global esports centres and the IESF’s South Korean headquarters, obviously presented daunting problems to Webster, so his decision is understandable. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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