Richard Lewis has published a copy of the Esports World Cup (EWC) administration guide, which provides guidance on Saudi Arabian laws. The document provides information on dress requirements, rules of conduct, and prohibitions on criticizing the government, the royal family, and the country's flag.
This has sparked lively discussions among esports players and fans, especially in connection with upcoming tournaments held in Saudi Arabia.
The EWC Administration Guide usually contains protocols and procedures for organizing events. This time, however, the document also includes reminders about Saudi Arabian laws and links to the country's propaganda websites. The administration team working at the event in Riyadh received these instructions before the tournament began.
The document emphasizes the importance of adhering to local customs and laws, including modest dress, a ban on public criticism of the government, and a ban on public displays of romantic relationships.
The EWC Administration Manual contains the following key points:
- Employees are advised to dress modestly, avoiding bright colors such as red, yellow and green.
- Women who wear short clothing may face “negative stares and disapproval” from local residents.
- Men are advised to avoid wearing tight jeans and overly informal clothing.
- Any criticism of Saudi Arabia, the royal family or the flag is illegal, and foreigners are also subject to this law.
- It is forbidden to photograph government and military facilities.
- Public displays of romantic relationships, including LGBTQ+ relationships, are not permitted.
This document is unique to events organized by ESL FACEIT Group and reflects the strict requirements for participants and employees in Saudi Arabia.
Ralph Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation and co-founder of ESL, said in an interview with BBC Newsbeat that all participants will be equal and no one will be discriminated against. He also emphasized that it is important to respect local customs and cultural norms.
Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games Group, said in an interview with VentureBeat that Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant changes and modernization, making it a safe place to host esports tournaments.
The EWC administration guide has drawn attention to Saudi Arabia's strict laws and regulations, which has caused concern among the esports community. Despite the promise of equality and safety for all participants, the document emphasizes the need to comply with local customs and laws, which could affect the atmosphere of the tournament.
Source: richardlewis.substack.com
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