Russia said it faces being blocked from the IESF World Championships ©IESF

Russian Esports Federation President Dmitry Smit said players from the country may miss the World Championships in Romania as the Mayor of the host city does not want them to come.

Iași is due to stage the International Esports Federation (IESF) event between August 24 and September 4 with Russians permitted to compete as neutrals amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Smit told Russia's state news agency TASS that obstacles had been placed in the way of their participation, however.

"Last year we participated in the World Championships, the final of which was held in Bali in Indonesia," he said. 

"And this year the final will be held in Europe, in Romania. 

"Recently, the Mayor of the Romanian city of Iași, where the competition will be held, wrote a letter to the International Esports Federation stating that he would not be able to guarantee the safety of Russian athletes if they arrive. 

Russians competed as neutrals at last year's World Championships in Bali ©IESF
Russians competed as neutrals at last year's World Championships in Bali ©IESF

"In the letter, he strongly hints that we do not need to come. 

"Now this issue is being actively discussed, and we are trying to ensure that our athletes go. 

"We feel strong opposition because the European region is the most active in terms of excluding our athletes." 

Six games are planned for the World Championships - CS:GO, Dota 2, Tekken 7, eFootball, PUBG MOBILE and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

A Russian team placed third in the CS:GO tournament held in Bali.

insidethegames has approached the IESF for comment.