Overview
- Istanbul United canceled its participation, and streamer Bilal Kamarieh resigned as B2B United captain, citing moral and ethical reasons.
- The departures follow the league’s announcement of Coca‑Cola as a partner, which drew criticism based on activist claims about the Israeli franchisee Central Bottling Company.
- The Icon League said it respects the decisions but defended the sponsorship as a league‑level partnership and reiterated that its focus remains on football.
- Coca‑Cola rejected the allegations, emphasizing political neutrality and stating it does not fund military operations in any country.
- Co‑founder Elias Nerlich told viewers he cannot address the matter on stream, and organizers have yet to name a replacement team for the 14‑club field set to open on 28 September in Hannover.