Kartal announces Fenerbahce resignation as president refuses to accept exit

Ismail Kartal announced his resignation as Fenerbahce head coach after a 1-1 Champions League draw with Roma, but club president Aziz Yildirim refused to accept it. BBC Sport reported that Kartal disclosed his decision at the post-match news conference, leaving the coach and president publicly at odds over whether his fourth spell in charge would continue.

Kartal, 65, had returned to the position in June 2026. He said he was stepping aside to help the club, its players and future coaches, and indicated that he did not intend to return. His announcement came only three months into the job, after Fenerbahce's first Champions League match on their return to the competition following an 18-year absence.

Yildirim responded in a statement on the club's website that Kartal remained in charge and called for supporters to back him, according to the BBC report. The president said he had spoken to the coach after the news conference. He identified the pressure surrounding the role and an incident during the match, when Kartal was struck by a bottle thrown from the stands, as factors behind the decision.

The club subsequently said on social media that it had identified a spectator involved in the bottle incident and banned that person from the stadium. Yildirim also criticised supporters and the media for the pressure generated by persistent criticism. He urged greater respect for Kartal and reiterated that he expected the coach to continue, despite the resignation announced earlier in the evening.

On the pitch, English defender Archie Brown scored Fenerbahce's equaliser in the 48th minute after Bryan Cristante had put Roma ahead in the first half. Brown appeared unaware of the managerial announcement when told about it during a post-match interview. Fenerbahce were ninth in the Turkish Super Lig, with two victories and two defeats, when Kartal said he was leaving.

Kartal's association with Fenerbahce extends beyond his four managerial spells. He previously worked as an assistant coach and made more than 250 appearances for the club as a player, winning two league titles among six trophies. He also guided Fenerbahce to the Turkish Super Cup in 2014 during his first stint as manager. His latest resignation announcement was therefore met by a president insisting that their long-standing relationship should continue.