The International Federation of Match Poker (IFMP) is delighted and proud to have been granted Observer Status of the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) and to be accepted into the Olympic Family.

The International Federation of Match Poker formally changed its name from International Federation of Poker to clearly distinguish itself as the governing body of poker as a sport. The decision to accept IFMP is recognition of the status of Match Poker as a sport within the GAISF community and of IFMP as an International Federation confirming with criteria including being a signatory to the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) Code.

Patrick Nally, President of the International Federation of Match Poker, which currently represents Federations in more than 60 countries, said:

“We would like to thank GAISF President Patrick Baumann, and the GAISF Membership Commission Chaired by Antonio Espinos along with Vice Presidents Dr Raffaele Chiulli and Stephan Fox whose vision has made this possible.

“Recognition by the International Sporting Family through the granting of GAISF Observer Status is a turning point for our sport. It legitimises Match Poker wherever there is a National Olympic Committee enabling new International Federations, leagues and competitions to be established worldwide. This is the start of something big and truly exciting.”

“We can go forward with confidence building our player base and introducing millions worldwide to the thrill of competition, social and educational benefits and the sheer fun of the sport,” he said.

Match Poker was devised and developed by IFMP as a team sport where the element of chance inherent in the “random draw of cards” has been removed. There is no gambling in Match Poker and the sport is available to players of all ages and genders worldwide.

IFMP has successfully developed the Match Poker technology including innovative use of smartphones in game-play and administration, making Match Poker a true 21st century mind sport.

Having launched the first Match Poker League as a team competition, IFMP is developing the sport globally and the world’s first professional league, the Match Indian Poker League, will debut next month.

Match Poker is growing its global market because it has ripped down the barriers of negative perception and prohibitive legislation allowing it to be played worldwide.