Ismail Kartal has announced his resignation as Fenerbahce's head coach, just minutes after the Turkish side's 1-1 draw with Roma in the Champions League. Kartal made the surprise announcement in his post-match news conference, stating his intention to never return to the club.
However, club president Aziz Yildirim has not accepted the 65-year-old's resignation. Yildirim stated, "Ismail Kartal is still in charge. The club should support our coach. Until I leave, Ismail Kartal is the head coach of Fenerbahce."
Kartal, who returned for his fourth spell as manager in June 2026, cited the "pressure" of the role and a mid-match incident where he was struck by a bottle thrown from the stands as factors in his decision. The club has identified and banned the spectator involved in the bottle incident.
Yildirim criticised the attitude of supporters and the media, calling for greater respect for Kartal. He reiterated, "Ismail Kartal doesn't need to say he'll continue. I am his senior. I said he'll continue, and that's it. We're a family." The announcement reportedly came as a shock to Fenerbahce's players, including English defender Archie Brown.