In official statements, the clubs stated that the decision was motivated by public sensitivity in Turkey to the long-term humanitarian crisis in Gaza, given that Coca-Cola supports Israel.
The general secretary of Beşiktaş, Uğur Fora, clarified that the club cannot ignore the feelings of its fans and the wider community, and that accepting sponsorship in the current circumstances would be inappropriate.
“We did not accept the offer because we consider it unethical. As Besiktas, we always take into account the feelings of society. Everyone clearly sees what is happening, and our fans did not support such a deal. Given the sensitivity of the situation, we decided not to continue. Besiktas always stood on the side of conscience,” said Fora.
The president of Trabzonspor, Ertuğrul Doğan, confirmed that his club also rejected Coca-Cola’s offer, stressing that the current situation in Palestine did not allow a different choice.
“The events in Palestine and Gaza are clear. I could not accept such an agreement because of what is happening,” Doğan said.
Let us remind you that even after the recent cease-fire in Gaza, Israeli forces still control more than half of the Gaza Strip and continue military actions directed at civilians. Since October 2023, at least 70,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have lost their lives in Israeli attacks, while the bombings have rendered Gaza largely uninhabitable and caused a serious humanitarian crisis.
(Vijesti.ba)
