Singapore-based Global Esports Federation (GEF) has announced a controversial partnership with the Arab Esports Federation (ARESF).

The strategic partnership follows the GEF’s recent landmark agreement with the Olympic Council of Asia, and will see the federation expand its in-depth work to support the growth of the esports ecosystem in the Arab region and Africa. 

According to the GEF, it will work with the ARSEF to “identify relevant opportunities within the vibrant and emerging landscape in the region; and convene a partnership that focuses on advancing forward-thinking and future-oriented initiatives in service to the esports community.”

Discussing the partnership HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, President, Arab Esports Federation, said:

“The Arab region presents truly dynamic development opportunities for esports to thrive. We are optimistic about the future of esports.

“Esports in this region has been on the rise. This latest collaboration between the Arab Esports Federation and the Global Esports Federation allows us to create an inclusive expansion strategy that serves our communities and delivers holistic growth opportunities for esports to continue to develop; as well as giving our youth access to unparalleled global opportunities.”

While President, Global Esports Federation, Chris Chan, added:

“We are honored to partner with the Arab Esports Federation, under the leadership of its President, HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, to maximize the potential of esports, for good. 

“This latest partnership will further expand on our mission in establishing a unified vision and strategy for youth in the region with a global perspective, as well as intensifying our convening effort of the world’s esports ecosystem.”

AYO.NEWS says:

The GEF needs to tread extremely carefully on this one. While there’s no doubt the Arab world has a promising esports scene, that should be supported, any organisation that gives its tacit or implied support to an organisation headed by a member of the House of Saud – one of the world’s most brutally oppressive and bigoted regimes – is not likely to win many friends in the global esports community – just ask Riot Games or BLAST about that one! 

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