Geneva : The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Saudi Arabia have canceled their 12-year deal to host the video gaming Esports Olympics in Riyadh.

The IOC said on Thursday, October 29, they “mutually agreed that they will end their cooperation on the Olympic Esports Games.”

It is a rare failure for a Saudi-backed sports project that was a key part of the Vision 2030 program driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“At the same time, both parties are committed to pursuing their own esports ambitions on separate paths,” the Olympic body said, announcing a reset of a signature project seven months into the presidency of Kirsty Coventry.

The partnership was confirmed on the eve of the Paris Olympics last year but the inaugural Esports Olympics due to be held this year in Riya

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