The Electronic Somali Sports Federation (ESSF) took part in the 16th Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of the International Esports Federation (IESF), held on November 18 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This prestigious event brought together over 150 delegates from IESF member federations worldwide, further reinforcing Somalia’s growing presence in the global esports community.
Ahead of the official assembly, IESF welcomed representatives from the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee (SOPC) and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF). Abdulaziz Baeshin, CEO of SOPC, outlined Saudi Arabia’s advancements in esports and sports development, while Frank Weber, Director of Corporate Marketing at EWCF, highlighted the success of the Esports World Cup and its future plans.
In his opening address, IESF President HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud expressed gratitude for the strong participation of delegates. He reflected on the federation’s achievements over the past year, the areas for growth, and the importance of continued collaboration among member federations.
The first session of the assembly focused on reviewing and voting on motions submitted by the members. A key decision included granting Full Membership status to Canada, Germany, Latvia, and Malta, further expanding the IESF’s global reach.
- Membership Committee Members:
- Mr. Soufiane El Filali
- Mr. Jaroslav Melishek
- Audit, Risk, and Governance Committee:
- Chair: Mr. Tomas Gabris
- Members: Mr. Jacopo Ierussi and Mr. Stevan Nenad Rosic
- Regulatory Committee Chair:
- Mr. Ido Orel Brosh
In his closing remarks, IESF General Secretary Boban Totovski commended the assembly for its productive discussions and democratic decision-making. He acknowledged the contributions of all members in advancing the federation’s vision for global esports growth.
Boban Totovski
IESF General SecretaryThis year’s assembly demonstrated the strength of our community and the shared vision that drives IESF forward. I thank everyone for their contributions to a democratic and smooth process, and I look forward to welcoming more member federations to our family next year and even greater success,
The OGM 2024 in Riyadh was another step forward in IESF’s mission to unite the Esports world under a shared vision. With the growing number of national federations, the IESF continues to cement its role as the largest Esports family.
For ESSF, attending the OGM 2024 marked another milestone in its commitment to fostering esports development in Somalia and the broader African region. By engaging with international stakeholders, ESSF continues to work towards integrating Somali esports into the global competitive landscape, providing more opportunities for players and the esports industry in the country.