The World Esports Association (WESA) is conducting an independent investigation into allegations made against Ninjas in Pyjamas, the association announced today.
Ian Smith, a sports lawyer and commissioner of the Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC), will conduct the investigation by the end of August. WESA is looking into the claims made by ex-professional CS:GO player and former NiP representative, Robin “Fifflaren” Johansson, who accused management of stealing money from players in an interview with Richard Lewis in July.
WESA said that it takes the allegations very seriously since one of its goals is to amplify the sustainable growth of esports and the association is based on values of fairness, transparency, and integrity.
WESA was created in July 2016 to regulate the competitive scene and has 13 members, with NiP being one of the founding organizations. Hicham Chahine, NiP’s CEO who’s been under fire since the accusations came up, is also part of WESA’s executive board. Chahine left XTRFY’s board, NiP’s esports equipment company, on Aug. 6.
NiP put out a statement after WESA’s announcement saying that the organization welcomes Smith and will work with the investigation. WESA won’t publish any further information until the investigation is over.
