Former president of the Russian Computer Sports Federation Alexander Gorbachenko exclusively for Telecomasia.net commented on the removal of sanctions against Russian cybersport after yesterday's decision of the IESF that Russian cybersports athletes can use the Russian flag and anthem at international competitions.
Alexander Gorbachenko noted the excellent performance of Russian cybersport athletes on the global cybersport scene:
It is physically impossible for Russian cybersport to just be excluded from the world. Our cyber athletes are too prominent and successful on the world stage. It is only possible to attack Russian cybersport athletes petulantly, causing irritation and disapproval of non-Western countries, which are widely represented in the IESF.
Alexander Gorbachenko
Alexander Gorbachenko also recalled the situation with PURE, who drew the letter Z on the mini-map during the pause:
Simply recall the mixed reaction of the international cybersport community to the incident with the disqualification of the whole team because of PURE's drawing with scribbles, where Ukrainian and Western observers saw the symbols of the SMO [Russian invasion to Ukraine]. Although it was a clear abuse of the statute and a deliberate attempt to politicize and scandalize the sporting process.
Alexander Gorbachenko exclusively for Telecom Asia Sport
Alexander Gorbachenko noted that every decision the IESF accepts affects only the tournaments of the IESF:
Now we need to return to healthy relations in cybersport. And I am glad that the IESF functionaries realize this. It is also important to emphasize that everything that happens around the IESF concerns only the competitions that take place under the auspices of this federation. And those public organizations that recognize it.
Alexander Gorbachenko
Recall that in response to the decision of the International Cybersport Federation, the Ukrainian Cybersport Federation said that it was going to appeal the decision of the IESF.