Ismail Kartal announced his resignation as Fenerbahce head coach moments after Thursday’s 1-1 Champions League draw with Roma, only for club president Aziz Yildirim to immediately insist that the 65-year-old remains in charge.
Kartal revealed his decision during his post-match press conference, saying he wanted to step aside to “pave the way” for the club, players and whoever eventually takes over.
His resignation came after just three months of his fourth spell at Fenerbahce. The Turkish club returned to the Champions League this season for the first time in 18 years, but Kartal’s side have made an inconsistent start domestically, winning two and losing two of their opening four Super Lig matches.
However, Yildirim made clear that he had not accepted Kartal’s resignation.
“Ismail Kartal is still in charge,” Yildirim said in a statement published on Fenerbahce’s website. “Until I leave, Ismail Kartal is the head coach of Fenerbahce.”
Yildirim said he had spoken to Kartal after the press conference and attributed the decision partly to the pressure surrounding the position. The coach was also struck by a bottle thrown from the stands during the Roma match, with Fenerbahce confirming that the spectator responsible had been identified and banned from the stadium.
The president criticised the atmosphere around the club and urged supporters to show greater respect for Kartal.
“You can’t show support by throwing punches at him like this,” Yildirim said. “We’re a family.”
The resignation announcement also caught Fenerbahce’s players by surprise. Archie Brown, who scored the equaliser against Roma, appeared stunned when informed during his post-match interview.
“What do you mean he resigned? As coach? He’s not the coach any more?” Brown said.
Kartal has a long history with Fenerbahce, having previously worked as both a player and assistant coach. He won the Turkish Super Cup during his first spell as manager in 2014 and collected two league titles as a player.
For now, despite Kartal’s public declaration, Fenerbahce’s president insists the coach is staying.
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