IFSG appoints ex-SC judge Sikri as ombudsman

The Indian Federation of Sports Gaming (IFSG) on Monday appointed former Supreme Court judge, Justice A. K. Sikri, as its ombudsman and Ethics Officer.

Justice Sikri was recently appointed as a judge in the Singapore International Commercial Court.

As an ombudsman, Justice Sikri will be responsible for investigating queries and complaints raised by users of the online fantasy sports gaming platforms and provide strategic council, resolve disputes brought forward regarding binding rules or financial discrepancies as well as steer hearings and make announcements for smooth operation and ease of functioning.

"I am proud to be entrusted with the role of ombudsman for IFSG. The sports gaming industry provides an untapped opportunity for sports lovers to showcase their sports knowledge and come closer to their favourite sport," Justice Sikri said.

"As the industry prepares for the next wave of sports enthusiasts, as a self-regulatory industry body it is important to protect and educate operators and users about the industry and its best practices."

The appointment of Justice Sikri comes after three months of appointing Anwar Shirpurwala as the CEO of IFSG. Commenting on the new appointments, Harsh Jain, President, IFSG said: "Justice Sikri's association with IFSG is an important development for the industry body. The sports gaming industry is growing at an exponential pace and so is the need to ensure that all operators adopt best-in-class ethical business practices.

"With Anwar as the CEO of IFSG and Justice Sikri as the ombudsman, IFSG will be able to frame robust industry benchmarks with strong governance protecting our industry's eight crore users and 32 operators' interests," Jain said.

Currently, IFSG has 32 members that are working together to create standardized best practices and drive self-regulation. The sector has already witnessed the emergence of India's 1st Gaming Unicorn (Dream11) and has the potential to reach over 10 crore users by 2020.

IFSG, formed in 2017, is India's first and only sports gaming self-regulatory industry body established to protect consumer interest and create standardised best practices in the sports gaming industry.

( With inputs from IANS )