“People stop believing in one-sided heresy” – the head of the FCS of Russia on allowing cyber athletes to compete under the flag of the Russian Federation

Dmitry Smith, President of the Russian Computer Sports Federation (FCS), explained on how the organization managed to get permission for Russian eSports to compete under their own flag and anthem in international competitions.

Previously, the International Esports Federation (IESF) gave Russian teams the opportunity to perform with national symbols in competitions under its auspices. At the IESF congress, 32 delegates voted in favor of Russia’s return to the tournaments, 25 abstained and 13 others were against. Thus, the IESF reversed its decision of April 18, 2022, according to which Russian athletes could not participate in international competitions under their own flag.

“How did you manage to do that?”

– The news is very happy! It is the result of our long work. Our federation is 24 years old, it is the oldest, we have helped our colleagues, helped them to organize competitions. Last year we organized many competitions in Russia. Athletes from many countries participated. Most countries now support us.

Arguments say little, but actions do. These are international level competitions in Russia. Our athletes are not aggressive towards other countries. Cybersport is designed to unite. It played a role.

Was the vote secret or public?

– Secret. But who voted against is clear. The bulk of European countries, but they do not hide it. The Ukrainians intend to file a complaint with an international court. Maybe they will go through sports. There will be politicized stories. They can appeal, but we will defend our position. The truth is on our side, and what the court decides, time will tell.

Will there be boycotts?

“They already exist in Europe. Today, more and more people around the world are beginning to perceive Russia adequately and less biased. People stop believing in preconceived games and heresy. The attitude towards the Russian Federation is changing. You can’t brainwash forever.

– Only 13 votes were against. What is specific? After all, it is less than EU countries.

— The delegates representing the public bodies have voted. They have their own point of view. French colleagues, for example, support us. It is necessary to share the position of the leaders of the countries and the societies of the countries.

Our federation has held Fijital since 2006. Today they have become a sport in their own right. Where Russia does not just say words, but does something, creates conditions for friendship and cooperation, this changes the opinion of society. Once again, I urge everyone to share the opinion of society and the state.

— What is the influence of the delegations of European countries?

– A very difficult question. Historically, esports has been more developed in Asia. But in Europe, there are more commercial tournaments, there is more money. Three years ago, the center of eSports was in the West. The focus now shifts to the United Arab Emirates, India and China. The time of the West is coming to an end. For what? In China, the population is larger, in the United Arab Emirates there is no less money than in Europe, they know how to make a product. In Europe they were actively investing, now other countries have begun to do so.

– Can such a decision be reversed in favor of Russia?

– WHO? We have status. There is a charter of the international federation. Theoretically, this can be imagined, but we are also part of the board of this federation. Second, these actions would be contrary to the articles of association. Theoretically, such chaos could be possible under pressure. But they are unlikely to do so. But then it will be a complete discredit and collapse of this federation. I highly doubt they’ll do that,” Smith said on ‘s ‘There’s a Theme’ show.

In addition, at the IESF congress, the proposal of the Ukrainian Computer Sports Federation to suspend the membership of the FCS of Russia in the IESF was rejected.