The Korea eSports Association has split with the Esports Foundation, and three other East Asian territories have been removed from the event's website.
The Korea eSports Association (KeSPA) has refused to take part in the inaugural Esports Nations Cup under its current terms, the South Korean outlet Sports Seoul reported on 27 April. The tournament is scheduled for November 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Esports Foundation (EF), the Saudi-backed body behind the ENC, attempted to influence roster composition on certain titles, including the inclusion of specific players. KeSPA, named as South Korea's National Team Partner in March, refused, citing its merit-based selection system used for the last two Asian Games.
A KeSPA representative told Sports Seoul that the ENC's approach did not align with the selection system the association had built, and that the collaboration could no longer continue.
In a statement, EF confirmed it had informed KeSPA earlier in the week that the partnership would not move forward. The organiser said its commitment to Korean participation remains unchanged and that it will engage directly with players, coaches and stakeholders over the coming week.
The Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC), also contacted by Sports Seoul, ruled out any workaround. Only athletes selected through official member organisations qualify as national representatives. A team bypassing KeSPA cannot use the national flag, the "Team Korea" brand, or the "National Representative" title.
