SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
The International Esports Federation (IESF) has appointed Vlad Marinescu as its new president after Colin Webster stepped down due to ‘circumstances resulting directly from the COVID-19 crisis’.
The IESF is a global organisation tasked with legitimising esports as a recognised sport, with its importance over the last few years growing as competitive gaming aligns with more traditional markets, such as betting.
Webster stated: “I have always believed that a leader, like the organisation 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.”
As well as his position at the IESF, Marinescu is the President of the United States Esports Federation, whilst also being the Chief Media & Marketing Officer of the International Judo Federation. This once again highlights the growing relationship between traditional sports and esports.
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.”
Esports has risen in prominence over the past few months, particularly in the sports betting sector as providers and operators have happened into the sector to provide its punters with markets during the live-sport hiatus.
