"Crypto" Sponsor IQONIQ Are Bankrupt - Fan Coins Worthless | Bayer Leverkusen, Crystal Palace, Monaco & More Lose Money & Deals
Jan 30, 2022, by Pat
The recent bankruptcy of Monaco-based crypto company "IQONIQ", who had a number of high-profile sponsorship deals across football clubs in Europe, has once again highlighted the risks associated with the sector.
IQONIQ's financial woes have left the likes of Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma without sleeve sponsors.
The Germans have of course already moved on to the next flavor of the month crypto "project", "Floki Inu", which is down almost 90% from the all-time high on November 4, 2021. Crystal Palace, meanwhile, have recently announced a "Fan Token" partnership with Socios, another company in the space.
As reported by The Times, Real Sociedad, another team that had a deal with IQONIQ, are still owned €820,000 and have opened legal proceedings. Having signed deals with dozens of sports teams all around Europe, it's safe to assume that the company are owing several millions.
Football Sponsorships Signed by IQONIQ
- Leverkusen (sleeve sponsor)
- Real Sociedad (main shirt sponsor)
- Crystal Palace (sleeve sponsor)
- AS Roma (sleeve sponsor)
- Marseille (sleeve sponsor)
- Monaco (sleeve sponsor)
- Zenit (back of shirt sponsor)
- La Liga (Main Partner)
- Groningen (Engagement Partner)
- Valencia (Global Partner)
IQONIQ CEO Kazim Atilla said that "millions" of tokens had been bought and were now practically worthless, as quoted by JOE. Atilla claims that IQONIQ had not been liquidated and blames the coronavirus pandemic for his firm's financial woes.
But quoting from the Leverkusen announcement, released in July, i.e. months after most deals were announced, says all.
"The Iqoniq app is currently in a BETA test phase and will be launched soon so that Bayer 04 can also publish their own account there and share exclusive content with their fans."
IQONIQ's website now states that their app is "launching in 2022" - we'll see about that...
What's funny about this story is that Crystal Palace suspended the partnership after a few months, when IQONIQ missed a payment in February of 2021, but the company still went on to announce a deal with Leverkusen in July, one that ended up lasting just a few months.
This story highlights all the potential issues with crypto sponsors, which might be worse even than the already unpopular betting sponsors. But with big money offers ready for the taking, there appears to be no slowdown of teams announcing such partnerships, as evidenced by recent reports on the Inter and Barcelona shirt sponsorships.
Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Hertha BSC 26-27 Away Kit Revealed
The new Hertha BSC 26-27 away kit has been revealed. Made by Castore, the new away shirt will be worn during the upcoming 2. Bundesliga season.
The Castore Hertha Berlin 26-27 away jersey introduces a fresh look for the club. It is navy with a blue and white design that, in our opinion, looks like a screensaver.
What are your thoughts on the new Hertha BSC 26-27 away kit by Castore? Let us know in the comments.
Norway Debut Third Variant for 2026 World Cup Home Kit
Norway debuted a third variation of their home kit during the Quarter-final match against England. This marks their 5th different kit combination at the 2026 World Cup.
With this, Norway joins Colombia as teams with the second-most kit variations used in a single World Cup. France still holds the record, having used 6 different combinations during the 2018 World Cup. Big thanks to our partner @jerseystory_vn for spotting this and creating the graphic.
Norway Fix Home Kit Font Mistake at 2026 World Cup
After being spotted printing their away nameset (featuring a black crest) on the home shirt during the Round of 16 match against Brazil, Norway corrected the mistake in their recent match against England, using in the correct home nameset (featuring original crest).
Huge thanks for @jerseystory_vn for the collage.
Ankara Keçiörengücü 2026-27 Home, Away & Third Kits Released
Turkish 1. Lig club Ankara Keçiörengücü have officially unveiled the new 2026-27 home, away and third kits. Made by Hummel, the collection is released under the theme "Three Kits, Three Stories".
The home shirt features the club's traditional purple and white stripes. The away shirt combines white and red with bold brushstroke graphics, while the third shirt keeps things simple with a clean purple design and tonal horizontal stripes.
According to the club, each kit tells a different story. The home shirt is inspired by Keçiören Waterfall, symbolizing strength and an unyielding fighting spirit. The away kit pays tribute to Ankara Castle, representing courage, resilience and determination, while the third kit celebrates freedom, limitless ambition and the courage to look toward the future.
What do you think of the new Ankara Keçiörengücü 2026-27 kits? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
