Panda CEO removed after mass roster walkout following Smash Bros eSports allegations
The CEO of Panda Global has been removed from his role following Smash Bros tournament allegations that have led to numerous members leaving the eSports organisation.
Last week fan tournament Smash World Tour claimed that Nintendo had shut down its annual championships at the last minute, while also accusing Panda Global CEO Dr Alan Bunney of trying to sabotage its events.
It’s alleged that Bunney, whose Panda Global was running its own official Nintendo-licensed Smash Bros events, was telling tournament organisers last year that Smash World Tour was shutting down, in an attempt to dissuade them from booking its shows.
As a result of the allegations, 10 of the 17 eSports personalities listed on Panda’s website as part of its ‘roster’ have since quit, leading to a Panda statement today confirming that Bunney is no longer CEO.
“Panda has heard the concerns of the Smash community and is taking immediate action,” its statement reads. “Alan is no longer CEO, effective immediately.”
According to the statement, Panda has set up a temporary ‘Interim Management Committee’, which will help release anyone who wishes to resign from their contractual obligations.
“We call on the community to treat those affected by these events with grace, understanding, and to call out and report any attempts of doxing or harassment,” the statement reads.
“Additionally, due to security concerns for our staff and contractors, the Panda Cup Finale is postponed.”
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A statement posted last week by the organisers of Smash World Tour claimed: “We quickly found that many organisers were concerned about joining up in 2022. They told us that they had been told by Alan, the
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