Movistar KOI gets kicked out of VCT EMEA for breach of contract

6 Sep

Ganesh Jadhav

Earlier today, September 6th, Riot Games announced the termination of Movistar KOI’s VCT EMEA partnership, citing a “breach of contractual agreement”. The team will no longer compete in the VCT 2026.

While Movistar KOI hasn’t been the best team in EMEA, the announcement comes as a shock to everyone, including KOI's co-owner Ibai "Ibai" Llanos Garatea.

Failure on Multiple Levels

Joining VCT EMEA as a partnered member, KOI has been the worst team in terms of performance. In the three seasons, the team’s best placement came during the VCT 2023: EMEA LCQ, where they placed 3rd.

Since their “strong” finish, they have consistently failed to leave their mark, missing playoffs despite numerous roster changes.

According to Ibai, the team is dead last in terms of capsule sales in 2025, compared to their top 4/5 placing in 2024. This drop underlines their declining popularity as a VALORANT team. The team also failed to deliver in the content front, leaving them in a poor spot.

Ibai's Reflections

Following VCT EMEA’s announcement, Ibai, co-owner of KOI, posted a video explaining the organization’s side of the story.

To start, Ibai explained the chronology of their exit, owning up to the team's management’s failure as a part of VCT EMEA.

“Since we secured our place [in the VCT EMEA partnership program], we haven’t done things well, and we need to be self-critical about that. As you know, our content hasn’t been at the level it should be, our skin sales have been weak, and this year we even finished last … on the competitive side, our performance has been disastrous.

As a club, we have to take responsibility for that. It’s easy to place all the blame on players or coaches, but the truth is that we, as an organization, have also done things extremely poorly.”

He further explains how the teams did not work out as expected and a combination of other things, resulting in a disastrous run.

Terminated Without Proper Notice?

As per Ibai’s statement, they [KOI Management] were informed of VCT EMEA/Riot’s decision just yesterday. Prior to the meeting where the two parties discussed termination, there were no official warnings, and any attempt to remedy or reverse Movistar KOI’s position in the league proved futile.

“In short, we tried to put forward every possible remedy. And to be clear, this all happened just yesterday—even though I speak as if it were long ago.

Despite all the proposals we made to Riot—from me returning to co-streaming, to making major efforts at both the competitive level and in skin sales—Riot ultimately decided none of this mattered. They told us the decision was final, completely irreversible. They expressed regret, offered a hug, and said we’d see each other in the next one.

Not only that, but Riot informed us we were out just 12 hours ago, and that the announcement would follow the very next day. No discussion, no alternatives, no cushion—just out.”

If Ibai’s statement is taken at face value, Riot and VCT EMEA have handled this poorly. Especially since the organization had started preparing for the next season, having already signed a new coach.

Moreover, the decision did not follow warnings or an intimation during the regular season, but an urgent meeting a day before the public announcement of the termination, which doesn’t scream “partners”.

Legally, Riot Games and VCT EMEA are well within their rights to terminate a team for a “contractual breach”. But the lack of proper intimation doesn’t paint a great picture and has shocked everyone involved in the industry. For now, Riot Games’ decision stands tall, and with them retaining complete control over the game's esports scene, this kills any hope for Movistar KOI’s return to VCT 2026. The organization can/will continue to compete in the Spanish Challengers League and other Riot-affiliated esports.

Who Will Replace Movistar KOI?

For the 2026 season, VCT EMEA will search for a potential replacement, keeping up with a 12 team structure. With the limited number of organizations currently based in EMEA, the list for potential suitors is limited. With Falcons being the biggest organization around, it wouldn't be a surprise if they join VCT EMEA as a partner. Recently relegated Gentle Mates also might get another chance with their experience and growing fandom.

Ibai also talked about Riot wanting Gentle Mates back in VCT EMEA, suggesting that KOI's position as a competitively and contractually weak team, was kicked to make place for the French team. This is not a rumor or a leak, but a speculation by a frustrated co-owner.

For now, there are no confirmed, or even rumored, organizations joining VCT EMEA. With VALORANT Champions around the corner, the announcement of KOI's replacement can be expected after the season officially concludes.

Let us know in the comments who you think will replace Movistar KOI.

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Featured Image Credit: Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games

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