Fenerbahce Coach Kartal Vows to Quit and Skips Training Even Though Club Rejects Resignation
- Fenerbahçe head coach Ismail Kartal announced his resignation Thursday after a 1-1 draw against Roma in their Champions League opener, but club president Aziz Yildirim immediately rejected the decision, insisting the coach remains in charge.
- The 65-year-old Kartal returned for a fourth managerial spell in June 2026, overseeing the club's return to the Champions League for the first time in 18 years before this sudden post-match departure.
- Citing "pressure" and a mid-match bottle-throwing incident, Kartal announced his departure, leaving English defender Archie Brown "completely taken aback" by the sudden news.
- Yildirim told reporters that Kartal "continues in his role," criticizing media and supporters for the "pressure" that fueled the coach's decision to resign.
- Despite Kartal's stated intention to leave "never to return" to help the club, Yildirim emphasized that the community must support the coach, effectively overriding the resignation.
234 Articles
234 Articles
What was supposed to be a euphoric Champions League night for Fenerbahce after an 18-year absence ended in a nightmare off the pitch.
Fenerbahce accepted the resignation of coach Ismail Kartal, who decided to leave the bench of the Istanbul club just three months after taking over the team, Turkish media reported.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Fenerbahçe accepted on Friday the resignation of coach Ismail Kartal, Turkish media reported, after the team failed to convince him to continue leading the Istanbul club.
The club president did not accept Ismail Kartal's resignation. Now the former (?) Fenerbahce coach cannot be reached. "The management will go to his house," writes Turkish Spor Depor.
Fenerbahce coach announces shocking resignation during press conference; club refuses to accept
Ismail Kartal stunned Fenerbahce by announcing his resignation after the 1-1 draw with Roma, but president Aziz Yildirim rejected the decision and said he remains the coach. Defender Archie Brown, who scored the equaliser, was shocked by the news.
Fenerbahce coach Kartal vows to quit and skips training even though club rejects resignation – WTOP News
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Fenerbahce coach Ismail Kartal failed to appear at training on Friday, Turkish media reports said, a day after he announced he was steppin
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 36% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium


































