Kartal quits Fenerbahce minutes after Roma draw

Ismail Kartal stunned Fenerbahce by resigning in his post-match news conference — then the club president refused to accept it.

What happened. Ismail Kartal resigned as Fenerbahce head coach minutes after the Turkish side's 1-1 Champions League draw with Roma, announcing it in his post-match news conference. Club president Aziz Yildirim has not accepted the resignation, insisting Kartal remains in charge.

• Kartal said he made the decision to pave the way for the club and never intends to return.
• He returned for a fourth spell as manager in June 2026, with Fenerbahce back in the Champions League after 18 years.
• Fenerbahce sit ninth in the Turkish Super Lig with two wins and two defeats.

“As of this evening, I congratulate my players and resign from my position.”

— Ismail Kartal

Yildirim says Kartal is still in charge, so the coach's future now hinges on whether the club can persuade him to stay.

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