KeSPA May Withdraw From 2026 ENC Amid Concerns Over National Team Selection Interference
The Korean Esports Association (KeSPA), is reportedly considering refusing participation in the 2026 Esports Nations Cup (ENC), according to a report by Seoul Sports.
The ENC, or Esports Nations Cup, is a country-based international esports tournament held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and hosted by the Esports World Cup Foundation. The competition is designed to expand on the Esports World Cup ecosystem by featuring national teams instead of club-based rosters.
According to Seoul Sports, concerns have emerged within KeSPA regarding alleged attempts by the ENC organizer, the Esports Foundation, to indirectly influence player selection for Korea's national roster. The reported actions are said to conflict with KeSPA's established and strict internal selection process for national team formation.
An esports official familiar with the situation told Seoul Sports that such interference is seen as a serious issue.
"Intervention in the formation of the national team itself went too far. Each country has its own system, which is disrespectful. Although the size of the tournament is highly publicized, considering the nature of the national competition, I wonder if Korea should go," the official stated.
In response to the allegations, a PR representative for the Esports Foundation stated that the organization is currently reviewing the situation.
"We will let you know after checking with the headquarters the exact details of whether Korea has expressed its intention to participate or has designated a national team," the representative said.
As discussions continue, KeSPA's final decision regarding participation in the 2026 ENC remains pending, with attention now focused on how national team governance and tournament organization standards will be reconciled moving forward.
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This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 7:25 PM.