▲ Fenerbahce Coach Ismail Kartal
Fenerbahce head coach Ismail Kartal abruptly announced his resignation during a press conference immediately following a draw in a UEFA Champions League (UCL) match.
Speaking at a press conference after the home match against AS Roma (Italy) for the first leg of the 2026-2027 UCL league phase held at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey (local time), Kartal stated, "I am stepping down from my position."
Earlier that day, Fenerbahce drew 1-1 with AS Roma, earning 1 point to kick off their league phase campaign.
After sharing his thoughts and congratulating his players on the result during the official press conference, Kartal said, "Before taking questions, I would like to talk about myself." He reflected on his time at Fenerbahce before suddenly announcing his resignation.
He added, "I made this decision for the club and to pave the way for the club. It is a decision made together with my staff," and stated, "I am resigning on the condition that I will not return."
A former Turkish international who made over 200 appearances for Fenerbahce during his playing career, Kartal was in his fourth stint as manager of Fenerbahce, having first taken the helm in 2014.
His current tenure began in June of this year, making his sudden departure a surprise after just three months.
Since the start of the new season, Fenerbahce has recorded 2 wins and 2 losses in the Super Lig, placing them in mid-table, while achieving their first UCL main stage appearance in 18 years and securing a point in their opening match.
The situation is difficult to attribute to "poor performance."
Fenerbahce President Aziz Yildirim explained in an interview with local media that Kartal had been feeling under pressure, and that an incident during the match where he was struck by a bottle thrown from the stands served as a decisive factor in his decision to resign.
Yildirim lamented that following their advance to the UCL, they faced criticisms such as "Why did you advance?" and "The team is weak," while also suffering from "fake news" by the media.
At the same time, he emphasized, "Coach Kartal will continue to lead the team. Kartal will remain the manager of Fenerbahce until I leave."
The club announced via its official website, "The identity of the person who threw the bottle at Coach Kartal has been confirmed," adding, "A stadium ban has been imposed on the individual in accordance with relevant laws."
(Photo: Getty Images)
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