İsmail Kartal has left his position as Fenerbahçe head coach with immediate effect, announcing his decision shortly after Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Roma in the opening match of the UEFA Champions League league phase.
The 65-year-old coach said he had chosen to depart in order to give the Istanbul club an opportunity to move forward under new leadership. His exit marks the conclusion of his fourth stint in charge of the Yellow-Navy Blues.
İsmail Kartal announces resignation
Kartal revealed his decision during his post-match press conference following the encounter at Chobani Stadium.
“As of this evening, I would like to congratulate my players and announce my resignation from my post,” Kartal said.
He expressed his appreciation to Fenerbahçe’s supporters, club officials, players, technical staff and members of the media before declining to answer questions from journalists.
The experienced manager explained that the decision had been reached in consultation with his coaching team.
“I have taken this decision to pave the way for my club,” he stated.
İsmail Kartal then brought his latest spell at the club to an emotional conclusion, making it clear that he does not expect to return to the Fenerbahçe dugout again.
“I have resigned from my post while there is still time, to assist my beloved Fenerbahce, my players and future managers. I wish everyone a good evening, on the understanding that I shall never return.”
İsmail Kartal return ends with departure
Kartal returned to Fenerbahçe in June for his fourth spell as manager and helped the club secure a return to the Champions League league phase.
His achievement ended an 18-year wait for Fenerbahçe to feature in the competition’s main stage, with their previous appearance coming during the 2008-09 campaign.
His final match ended in a stalemate against Roma. Bryan Cristante put the visitors in front before Archie Brown restored parity for Fenerbahçe.
The 1-1 result earned the Turkish side a point but also brought Kartal’s latest tenure to an unexpected end on the same night that Fenerbahçe resumed its place among Europe’s leading clubs.
Yıldırım rejects İsmail Kartal resignation
Meanwhile, Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yıldırım has insisted that İsmail Kartal will continue as head coach despite the veteran manager announcing his resignation.
Kartal, 65, revealed his decision during his post-match media briefing, saying he had reached the conclusion with his coaching staff in what he described as an effort to “pave the way” for the Turkish club.
“As of this evening, I would like to congratulate my players and announce my resignation from my post,” Kartal said.
He added that stepping down while there was still time would give the club an opportunity to move forward with his players and whoever succeeds him.
“I have resigned from my post whilst there is still time, to assist my beloved Fenerbahçe, my players and future managers. I wish everyone a good evening, on the understanding that I shall never return,” he said.
However, Yıldırım dismissed the resignation and made it clear that Kartal’s position had not changed.
“None of us knew about the resignation decision,” Yıldırım told reporters after the Roma match.
“İsmail Kartal remains in charge. But the entire Fenerbahçe community should stand behind the coach,” he said.
The Fenerbahçe president went further, declaring that Kartal would remain in charge for as long as he remained president.
“As long as I am here, İsmail Kartal is the head coach. He cannot leave until I leave.”
Yıldırım also explained what he believed had prompted Kartal to announce his resignation. According to the president, the coach was struck by a water bottle after the final whistle.
“A water bottle was thrown at İsmail Kartal’s head this evening. That’s the reason,” he said.
Kartal began his fourth spell in charge of Fenerbahçe after returning to the club in June 2026.
Under his leadership, Fenerbahçe secured a place in the Champions League phase, ending a long wait for the club to return to the competition’s main stage. Their previous appearance at that level came during the 2008-09 season.
