Riot Games has introduced the Dispute Resolution for Esports in EMEA, a new initiative to help players, coaches, and teams address contract and financial disputes. The program will be managed by European sports law firm Martens, which will oversee the arbitration process independently from Riot. With experience in similar dispute resolution frameworks, such as the Basketball Arbitral Tribunal for FIBA, Martens will review claims and issue decisions.
The initiative covers issues like unpaid salaries, bonuses, prize money, and transfer disagreements, aiming to enhance professionalism, stability, and integrity within EMEA esports. Find out more below.
Eligibility and Structure
The programme is open to participants in Tier 1 and Tier 2 League of Legends and VALORANT competitions within the EMEA region, covering an estimated 1,500 players. According to Valérie Horyna, Riot’s EMEA Esports Rules & Compliance Manager, the program aims to simplify the process of resolving disputes in a region with diverse legal landscapes.
Dispute Process and Fees
To file a dispute, claimants will pay an initial administrative fee ranging from €500 to €4,000, based on the dispute’s financial scope. Additionally, arbitration fees between €1,000 and €5,000 will be shared by the disputing parties. Once a claim is submitted, each party can provide one written submission. Cases are handled by one of Martens’ 14 arbitrators, who will make a decision without default hearings.
Decisions will be made ex aequo et bono, meaning the arbitrator will assess fairness over strict adherence to national laws. For instance, if a player’s wages were unpaid, the arbitrator might order repayment plus interest if deemed fair.
Additional Support and Goals
To make the process accessible, Riot is setting up a legal aid fund to assist claimants with fees if certain criteria are met. This fund will have a fixed annual limit, and support will only be available as long as funds remain.
Riot aims for this system to discourage unethical practices and foster trust and stability within the EMEA esports ecosystem. The company hopes the initiative will contribute to long-term contractual integrity and professionalism across the region’s esports landscape.
