IOC chief faces ‘conflict of interest’ claims over 2027 Olympic Esports Games

Kieran Lynch, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 02/09/2025

A senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive is under scrutiny over an alleged ‘conflict of interest’ over the 2027 Olympic Esports Games.

The appointment of Ng Ser Miang as chairman of the Olympic Esports Games has reportedly been questioned by a London-based law firm.

It has been reported by the Times that the firm are acting for an anonymous group of complainants, said to be connected to the IOC.

The IOC has defended the decision to appoint Ng Ser Miang, saying that any conflict of interest claims are unfounded.

It comes as the IOC prepares to select titles for its inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia.

Why is the IOC chief facing ‘conflict of interest’ claims over the 2027 Olympic Esports Games?

The Times reports that Ng Ser Miang has been given the role for the 2027 Olympic Esports Games, even though two of his children could profit financially from the decision.

London-based Joseph Hage Aaronson & Bremen LLP sent formal correspondence to IOC’s Ethics Commission in June. The Times reports that in the correspondence, they question whether the potential inclusion of Virtual Taekwondo – which is part-owned by Ng’s son, Ng Chong Geng – would represent a conflict of interest in breach of the IOC’s code of ethics.

Virtual Taekwondo is part-owned by Singapore-based company Refract Technologies, with Pearl Trust as its sole shareholder. The Times reports that this shareholding stands at about 30 per cent.

Ng Chong Geng is the sole shareholder of Pearl Trust and a director of Refract. His sister, Ng Xuan Hui, is also a director of Pearl Trust.

Virtual Taekwondo is expected to be one of the games chosen for the 2027 Olympic Esports Games.

The letter from the London-based law firm has called for Ng Ser Miang to be removed from his position, which “empower him to make, participate in, or otherwise influence decisions in relation to Olympic Esports”.

They add that this would protect the “integrity and appearance of impartiality of the Olympic Esports”.

IOC responds to allegations

The IOC has defended Ng Ser Miang, stating that he complied with all required disclosure protocols.

An IOC spokesman told The Times: “For many years, all IOC Members have been required to declare their interests in companies, sports organisations and not-for-profit entities. This is to avoid any actual or perceived risk of conflict of interest.

“Mr Ser Miang Ng, like all IOC Members, has fulfilled his obligations. Therefore, the allegations made in this complaint are unfounded. There is no basis whatsoever to these claims, since there is full transparency through the IOC Declaration of Interests Form.”

The IOC emphasised that Ng’s appointment was based on his esports expertise. They added that final game selections require approval from the executive board or full IOC Session.

Olympic Esports format

Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia, will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2027.

The Games will focus on titles linked to established Olympic sports. Anticipated selections are expected to include cycling and sailing games alongside Virtual Taekwondo and other sports. The Times reports that a motorsport simulation game is also likely to be included despite not having an official Olympic event.

Winners will receive gold, silver and bronze trophies rather than Olympic medals.

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has been confirmed as the Founding Partner of the Olympic Esports Games. The 2025 Esports World Cup was also held in Riyadh. Team Falcons recently retained their Esports World Cup Club Championship.

Kieran Lynch, Senior Editor

Kieran Lynch is an esports journalist who writes about several games including EA Sports FC 25, Call of Duty, Rainbox Six Siege, and more. He previously worked as a sports journalist for MailOnline.

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