TL;DR
- WESA launches independent investigation into Ninjas in Pyjamas following player mistreatment allegations
- Former players reveal contract restrictions on personal relationships and withheld charity tournament earnings
- Multiple CEO changes failed to resolve compensation disputes dating back to 2014
- Fifflaren’s Twitter exposé accuses former leadership of financial misconduct and fund misuse
- Organization claims 90% case resolution while welcoming external investigation and transparency
The global esports regulatory body has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into operational practices at Ninjas in Pyjamas following numerous formal complaints from former team members and staff. This marks one of the most significant oversight actions in recent competitive gaming history.
Renowned sports attorney Ian Smith, who serves as commissioner for the Esports Integrity Coalition, will lead the examination process. His final report detailing investigative findings and recommended corrective measures is scheduled for public release before month’s end.
NiP players reveal unfair treatment
In a landmark July 24 disclosure, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive veteran Robin “Fifflaren” Johansson detailed disturbing operational protocols during his tenure with the Swedish organization. Between 2013 and 2015, management not only confiscated earnings designated for charitable competitions but implemented unprecedented personal conduct requirements.
The organization mandated that competing professionals execute formal agreements merely to maintain romantic relationships while representing the team—a practice virtually unheard of in professional sports organizations.
Following Johansson’s courageous testimony, multiple additional former roster members stepped forward with corroborating accounts. These included established players Richard “Xizt” Landstrom, Adam “friberg” Friberg, and Mikail “Maikelele” Bill, collectively representing significant competitive talent.
NiP promises changes, but players don’t see it
The Swedish competitive entity terminated then-chief executive Per Lilliefelth following public exposure of compensation failures around 2016. Internal reviews confirmed the organization had systematically failed to distribute tens of thousands in tournament winnings and revenue shares from in-game cosmetic items.
Ninjas in Pyjamas published an official communication following Lilliefelth’s dismissal, asserting that organizational evolution required “fresh leadership possessing appropriate qualifications and expertise to guide Ninjas forward.”
However, subsequent developments suggest minimal substantive improvement. Current chief executive Hicham Chahine informed media outlets that financial obligations to Johansson had been fulfilled during autumn 2016, with new administrative teams addressing “historical complications” since that summer.
Contradicting these assertions, Johansson produced documented message exchanges from 2016 demonstrating executive avoidance when he sought assistance resolving outstanding payments.
Earlier this month, Johansson publicly confronted former NiP CEO Emil “HeatoN” Christensen through an extensive social media disclosure.
“We believed your leadership approach differed fundamentally. Unfortunately, you demonstrated identical behavioral patterns,” Johansson stated. “Your distinguishing characteristic involved insufficient caution concealing financial transactions. You provided false court testimony regarding banking access while actually utilizing team capital for personal enrichment, generating millions while dedicated competitors received negligible compensation.”
His allegations extended to claims that Christensen diverted competition earnings to retain legal counsel while simultaneously employing his romantic partner at a $20,000 annual salary during roster financial instability.
“We placed complete trust in your guidance. We renewed organizational commitments specifically because of your involvement… For what purpose? To facilitate your personal wealth accumulation. ‘Hall of Famer’ designation represents utter absurdity,” Johansson continued.
Christensen subsequently characterized the allegations as “factually inaccurate,” while Ninjas in Pyjamas asserted resolution of ninety percent of compensation disputes originating from 2014.
“We appreciate communication initiatives and desire constructive engagement resolving remaining concerns. We seize this moment to offer genuine apologies to former competitors, staff members and supporters who experienced inappropriate treatment, while implementing enhanced operational protocols for improved organizational performance,” the organization declared.
The entity further expressed “support” for the WESA inquiry, committing collaborative engagement through provision of archival materials, documentation and personnel access.
Action Checklist
- Review player compensation distribution timelines and documentation procedures
- Establish independent financial auditing for tournament earnings and sponsorship revenue
- Implement transparent contract review processes for all team members
- Create anonymous reporting channels for organizational misconduct concerns
- Develop player advocacy resources and legal support access protocols
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