The World Esports Association is offering to mediate disputes between teams, players and other esports-interested parties through a new independent arbitration court.

.@WESAOfficial announces WESA Arbitration Court, independent and open to all involved in esports. Learn more: https://t.co/taMW823IWj — WESA (@WESAofficial) November 2, 2016

According to WESA's press release, the court will deal with disputes over issues such as contracts, player representation and prize money distribution. Individuals or organizations can bring disputes before the court via written submission, and additional oral hearings will be held if necessary.

Applicants can request either a single arbitrator or a panel of three. The tribunal will review the dispute confidentially and issue a ruling. According to WESA, all rulings will be final, and there will be no appeals process.

WESA says that although it will administer its new arbitration services, the court itself will be "completely independent of the organization," as well as its founding partner and primary sponsor, ESL. The initial release does not detail how independent arbitrators will be selected and vetted for each case.

"Having a framework, processes and a legal body to turn to when needed is an important next step in ensuring that professional gamers and their careers are guarded," WESA Players Council chairman Viktor "vuggo" Jendeby said in a statement. "With the Arbitration Court in place, I am confident that Players and Teams they play for will receive necessary help and support when needed, and that their interests will be protected."

The Worlds Esports Association was formed on May 13 by ESL in partnership with Fnatic, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Team EnVyUs, Virtus.pro, Natus Vincere, FaZe Clan (which later left the organization), G2 Esports and mousesports. According to the organization, its aim is to "bring all esports stakeholders — players, teams, organizers and broadcasters — to the discussion table in order to bring much needed structure, predictable schedules and transparency to the scene."

At the time of its announcement, the organization was the target of emphatic backlash from the CS:GO fan community. Critics questioned WESA's independence and accused it of being a "puppet" for ESL and a handful of top European teams to gain leverage over competing tournament organizers. In September, seven top North American teams that were not invited to participate in WESA formed a similar organization, the Professional Esports Association.

However, in the six months since its founding, WESA has made few significant changes, most of which have been focused on ESL Pro League. Before the announcement of its new arbitration court this week, WESA's biggest move was to expand the EPL Finals team pool from eight to twelve teams, under advisement from the elected Players Council WESA formed in September. According to Fnatic CEO and WESA board member Wouter Sleijffers, WESA has also been responsible for distributing a share of EPL revenues to member teams, beginning with a $150,000 advance that was paid out to all members.