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Football for Friendship holds expert discussion on sports development during pandemic

Published

5 years ago

November 25, 2020

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Experts of the international online discussion “Motivation and training in the context of the pandemic: the impact of Internet technologies on sports” reached the mutual conclusion that the pandemic will boost the development of e-sports and broaden the way sports are perceived in the world. It’s expected that the existing trend will strengthen: over the past 3-4 years, the audience of e-sports events has grown 5-6 times.

The discussion was initiated by the Gazprom International Children’s Social Programme Football for Friendship, which has, for the first time, brought the entire season online in 2020. Meanwhile, the annual World Championship for Young Participants from more than 100 countries is held in the new football simulator Football for Friendship World. In the future, the app will become a gaming platform where anyone can train, join mixed international teams, and play their favorite game in the Football for Friendship format without leaving the comfort of home.

The guest experts — football players and e-sports players — shared their views on how the pandemic is affecting the training process, and whether e-sports will be able to fully replace traditional sports in the future. Alexey Smertin, adviser to the President of the Russian Football Union and Ambassador of the Football for Friendship programme, and Alexandra Kosteniuk, grandmaster, three-times winner of the World Chess Olympiads, and European Chess Champion, spoke about the impact of the pandemic on professional sports. Igor Bugaenko, head of the Special Projects Department of the Russian eSports Federation (RESF), spoke about the development of Russian e-sports. The discussion was attended by representatives of FC Schalke 04: head of the e-sports division Tim Reichert, League of Legends coach Dylan Falco, and professional FIFA player Tim Schwartmann (“Tim Latka”). The discussion was moderated by Euronews TV host Andy Robini.

Igor Bugaenko expressed his conviction that the pandemic can also have a positive impact on sports: “Despite the cancellation of many offline sporting events, we are doing our best to maintain the quality and spirit of the competitions that are currently held online. The pandemic has affected how people spend their free time. I think the main achievement of this period has been to broaden the way sports are perceived, enabling people to re-evaluate the role of e-sports in the world”. The expert also noted that Russia was one of the first countries to officially recognize e-sports. According to Bugaenko, in the last 3-4 years alone, the audience of e-sports events has grown 5-6 times.

However, according to Alexey Smertin, e-sports are hard to compare to traditional sports, with their “physical overcoming of oneself, pain and hard-to-achieve results”. On the other hand, if we take a professional approach, in both traditional and e-sports it’s important to focus on achieving results; so, in this sense, there’s no difference between them.

Tim Schwartmann (Tim Latka) has a similar view: “If young people want to be successful — be it in e-sports or traditional football — they have to work hard, train a lot for the game, and never rest on their laurels”.

Today, many football clubs are developing e-sports as a separate area. “In recent years, the popularity of e-sports has become evident. By investing time and effort into developing e-sports, we hope to establish a dialogue with the younger generation of football fans”, explains Tim Reichert, head of FC Schalke 04’s e-sports division. Reichert expects that self-isolation will accelerate the merging process of traditional and digital sports several-fold. In his opinion, e-sports and traditional sports already have many things in common: league structures, competitions, psychological demands for players, and regular training.

Alexandra Kosteniuk noted that the past months have become a landmark in the history of sport: “The pandemic has opened up a real Pandora’s box for chess players: if earlier, part of our competitions were already being held online, now it’s the most convenient format for both the audience and participants”. As she explains, the pandemic has stimulated an increased interest in online competitions over the past few months, “even in the case of chess, which is not the most popular sport among viewers, not to mention the world of e-sports in general”.

About the programme:

The International Children’s Social Programme Football for Friendship is implemented by Gazprom since 2013. Over the previous seven seasons, the programme has united over 6 000 participants from 211 countries and regions and over 5 000 000 supporters.

Young Players and Young Journalists are the participants of the programme – boys and girls aged 12 including children with disabilities. Young Players represent different countries and cultures united in the mixed teams. They show that nationality, gender, and physical abilities aren’t a barrier to becoming a team. Young Journalists cover the events of the programme in the International Children’s Press Center. All participants become Young Ambassadors of the programme and continue to share their Football for Friendship experience and promote universal human values: friendship, equality, fairness, health, peace, devotion, victory, traditions, and honour.

UEFA, FIFA, football federations and the world’s leading football clubs, international charity foundations, famous athletes, politicians, and artists support Football for Friendship. The project has received multiple national and international awards in the field of social responsibility, sports, and communications, including the world record for the most nationalities in a football training session in history.

In 2020, Football for Friendship will be held in the online format. A special digital platform will unite over 10 000 players of all ages. It will become the home for international children’s competitions and a playground where anyone will be able to train, join into the international mixed teams and play their favourite game in the Football for Friendship format without leaving the comfort of their home.

Amusnet

Week 7/2026 slot games releases

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by Eastern European Gaming

Spinomenal has launched its newest exciting venture, Volcano Power – Hold & Hit 3×3. The 3×3 reels of Volcano Power – Hold & Hit 3×3 are enclosed in a glowing golden frame on a surface of lava, shimmering embers, and volcanic stones. From the initial spin, players are captivated by a powerful, exhilarating soundtrack that conjures the explosive energy of a volcanic eruption.

Volcano Power — Hold & Hit 3x3 from Spinomenal

BGaming is honoring the Chinese New Year this February by launching three new games themed around Chinese culture. This is the most recent in a series of seasonal promotional game collections launched by the studio. It comes after the successful releases of the Xmas, Halloween, Oktoberfest, and Valentine’s promotional sets in 2025.

Ring in the Chinese New Year with BGaming’s Seasonal Promotion

History is shaped by those who win, but in Medusa vs Perseus: Stone Duel, the new slot from sought-after iGaming creator ICONIC21, the result lies with the player. Transforming one of history’s most renowned rivalries into a 5×5 grid format, ICONIC21 offers a game characterized by intensity, impressive visuals, and clear mechanics.

Enter the sands of history with Cairo Dice from Amusnet, where the allure of Ancient Egypt blends with the lively spirit of contemporary gaming. Drawing from tales of formidable pharaohs, divine deities, and forgotten riches, this visually stunning dice slot game immerses players in the essence of a golden desert kingdom, filled with symbols of wealth and enigma.

Amusnet’s Cairo Dice Takes Players on an Exciting Expedition

Relax Gaming has released Olympus 7’s Dream Drop, a mythological masterpiece containing high-voltage jackpot potential. Set against a backdrop of ancient legend, the new title features a 6×4 grid where the gods of old command six electrifying mini slot games.

TaDa Gaming introduces a fresh and engaging experience with Gallina Fortunata. Designed in portrait mode and built for fast, intuitive play, this innovative release blends reel-based gameplay with a flexible cashout mechanic, giving players full control over when to collect their winnings.

Blueprint Gaming has finalized a significant licensing deal with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) to create a collection of online slot games inspired by Game of Thrones, one of the most iconic entertainment franchises globally. The agreement encompasses upcoming titles influenced by House of the Dragon, contributing to a long-term strategy of high-quality, IP-driven launches.

Blueprint Gaming Lays Out Release Plan for Game of Thrones Slots

Gaming Corps has enhanced its slot collection with the launch of Wild Woof Returns, a follow-up to the popular Wild Woof game that elevates the original’s feature-rich gameplay. Wild Woof Returns immerses players directly into a cartoon-themed Wild West, as Sheriff Woof Garret pursues the notorious Feline Four once more.

Gaming Corps heads back to the Wild West with Wild Woof Returns

Get ready to immerse yourself in a realm of influence, passion, and fortune in Hidden Treasures of Rome: Cleopatra’s Love – the sophisticated latest release from coveted software developer Swintt’s Premium collection where empires converge and the bounty of a kingdom is poised for victory!

ENJOY has enhanced its growing slot collection with the launch of Diamond Slam, an exciting and powerful new game that combines traditional slot charm with contemporary jackpot-oriented mechanics. The small 3×3, 5 fixed payline slot embodies the allure of classic fruit machines with colorful fruit icons, seamless animations, and a lively backdrop, producing a dynamic and engaging environment.

ENJOY debuts Diamond Slam, the next must-play in its jackpot portfolio

Amusnet has released 40 Vampire Beast, a chilling new video slot that drags players straight into a gothic nightmare – where every spin pulses with tension, mystery and untamed power. Built on 40 fixed paylines, the game delivers relentless action amplified by Expanding Wilds and a fearsome multiplier feature that can turn a single spin into a monstrous reward.

Booming Games has introduced Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win this week. The game features a 5×3 layout with 25 paylines, offering significant risks with a top payout of 2,000 times the wager. Offering instant cash prizes at the end of each spin, Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win delivers an exceptional experience for players in search of high-stakes excitement.

Treasure Hunt Revival — Booming Games Launches Gold Gold Gold Hold and Win

ELA Games has officially launched its newest slot, Tea Party of Fortune. Now accessible throughout the studio’s complete partner network, this story-driven title welcomes players into a Secret Garden where engaging mechanics blend with a beloved fairytale theme.

Discover whether there are truly pots of gold at the end of the rainbow in Red Papaya’s newest slot featuring Free Spins, Cash Prizes, Jackpots, Collects, and Wilds to uncover during your gameplay. Do pots of gold truly exist at the rainbow’s end? The only method to discover is to spin the reels on Lucky Rainbow Rush, the newest slot by Red Papaya.

Red Papaya Presents: Lucky Rainbow Rush Adventure

Love on the Reels: Slotland Introduces "Aphrodite’s Kiss"

The post Week 7/2026 slot games releases appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Aphrodite’s Kiss

Love on the Reels: Slotland Introduces “Aphrodite’s Kiss”

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

love-on-the-reels:-slotland-introduces-“aphrodite’s-kiss”

A Perfect Union – Enjoy love with 25 Free Spins and a 90% Match Bonus available to All Players.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Slotland.eu encourages players to enjoy a hint of legendary enchantment with the debut of its whimsical new slot, Aphrodite’s Kiss. Drawing inspiration from the timeless Greek goddess of love and beauty, this game combines romantic charm with the possibility of lofty rewards. Every participant is encouraged to experience this with 25 FREE SPINS and a 90% Match Bonus, while VIP members enjoy a 120% Match—promotions valid until February 17th.

Designed with a gentle, whimsical mix of pink and gold, the 3×3 reel collection drifts amidst ethereal clouds. The goddess, wearing a crown of flowers, sends a kiss to the symbols—a golden harp, olive branch, and grand Pegasus—establishing an enchanting, romantic atmosphere.

“Aphrodite’s Kiss captures the essence of passion and chance,” said Michael Hilary, Slotland Manager. “It’s a perfect, heartfelt game for the season, where a single kiss—or spin—can trigger divine surprises.”

Gameplay Features:

Mystery Bonus: A single MYSTERY scatter on the 2nd reel instantly awards a random Coin Win, paid directly to your cash balance, or triggers the coveted Free Spins round.
Heavenly Free Spins: This bonus round begins with a random number of spins, featuring an ever-increasing win multiplier that grows with each spin.
Wild Pays: The Wild symbol appears in both base play and bonuses, with a 3x wild combination paying a 2000x the bet.

Aphrodite’s Kiss is a straightforward yet engaging 10-payline slot made for smooth mobile gaming in both vertical and horizontal orientations, with wagering options ranging from $1 to $10.

Aphrodite’s Kiss debuts on sister site CryptoWins.com, featuring match bonus promotions available until February 22, along with CryptoSlots.com and Winaday.eu.

Allow affection to turn the wheels. Explore Aphrodite’s Kiss now at Slotland, Winaday, CryptoSlots, and CryptoWins:

SLOTLAND

25 FREE SPINS
* Redeem: 1x, Valid: Aphrodite’s Kiss, Wager on Winnings: 28x on all slots, Max Cashout: $100
* Depositing players only
* Bonus Code: LOVESPINS

UP TO 120% MATCH
* 120% For Gold VIP, 110% for Silver VIP, 100% for Bronze VIP, 90% for all
* On deposits $25 – $500
* Redeem: 2x per day, Wager: 25x, Valid: All slots & keno
* Bonus Code: MORELOVE

Promo valid February 13 – 17, 2026: https://www.slotland.eu/en/promotions#new-game-aphrodites-kiss

CRYPTOWINS

MYSTERY LOVE MATCH
* Redeem: 3x per day, Wager: 35x, Valid: Aphrodite’s Kiss
* Bonus Code: MYSTERY

UP TO $115 LOVE MATCH
* On deposits $115 on $200 – $299, $75 on $100 – $199, $35 on $25 – $99
* Redeem: 4x per day, wager: 37x, Valid: Slotland Ent. Games
* Bonus Code: MORELOVE

Promo valid February 14 – 22, 2026: https://www.cryptowins.com/en/new-games

The post Love on the Reels: Slotland Introduces “Aphrodite’s Kiss” appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Boomerang Partners

Boomerang Partners announces the launch of the exclusive TIME TO WIN tournament for affiliates

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

Wladimir P.

boomerang-partners-announces-the-launch-of-the-exclusive-time-to-win-tournament-for-affiliates

Boomerang Partners has launched an exclusive affiliate tournament timed to coincide with a pivotal stretch of the 2026 global sports calendar. Running until 31 March, the activation operates under the TIME TO WIN concept — the strategic framework underpinning the company’s collaboration with its Official Regional Partner, AC Milan, throughout the Year of Sports.

The 2026 calendar features a concentration of major competitions, including the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Positioned across February and March — one of the season’s most commercially active periods — the tournament is designed to help sports-focused affiliates capitalize on heightened engagement.

TIME TO WIN tournament prizes

Following a teaser campaign featuring AC Milan players Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Alexis Saelemaekers, Christian Pulisic, Adrien Rabiot and Rafael Leão, Boomerang Partners confirmed 12 February as the official launch date. The tournament is hosted on the AC Milan Hub, a digital platform created within the partnership between Boomerang Partners and the Club.

Participants can unlock prize draws by reaching specified point thresholds. Available rewards include match experiences and exclusive club-related trips, such as visits to Milanello Sports Center.

Prize categories include:

TIME TO WIN merchandise packs for teams
Official AC Milan jerseys signed by players
Match trip for AC Milan vs Cagliari
Match trip for AC Milan vs Juventus with pre-match access
Exclusive Milanello experience for affiliate teams

Affiliates earning at least 100 points will also receive bonus points toward the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026.

Participation mechanics

The competition runs from 12 February to 31 March 2026. During this period, affiliates complete tasks across designated segments, accumulate points and progressively unlock access to five prize draws. Activities include social media initiatives, surveys and collaborative promotional efforts coordinated through the AC Milan Hub.

The role of the AC Milan Hub

The AC Milan Hub serves as the central platform for all TIME TO WIN initiatives. Designed as an integrated digital ecosystem, it combines campaign tools, interactive mechanics and access to exclusive club-related experiences. While the tournament represents the flagship activation for Q1 2026, the Hub will host additional partnership initiatives throughout the year.

By embedding the competition within this platform, Boomerang Partners expands the value of participation beyond a standalone performance challenge, positioning affiliates within a broader brand collaboration framework.

Strategic support for affiliates

Participants also gain access to Boomerang Partners’ Sports Marketing & Betting Calendar 2026 — a practical planning resource that outlines tournament cycles, regional sports trends and campaign timing strategies. The guide provides structured insights into market behaviour, enabling affiliates to approach peak sporting periods with data-driven precision.

TIME TO WIN as a strategic framework

TIME TO WIN represents the overarching concept guiding Boomerang Partners’ 2026 partnership with AC Milan. More than a campaign theme, it reflects a shared emphasis on performance, ambition and long-term growth. The concept is designed to support multiple activations throughout the sports season, extending beyond traditional sponsorship formats.

Affiliates are encouraged to prepare campaigns in advance to maximize results during the tournament window.

About Boomerang Partners

Boomerang Partners is a global marketing agency and Official Regional Partner of AC Milan. The company launched the Golden Boomerang Awards in 2024, with more than 400 affiliate teams participating in its 2025 season. Its partner network spans more than 40 markets, offering affiliate and entertainment services supported by localized solutions and multilingual customer support.

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