Fenerbahçe have confirmed that Ismail Kartal will remain head coach

Fenerbahçe have confirmed that Ismail Kartal will remain head coach despite a whirlwind saga triggered by his shock resignation after Thursday’s 1‑1 Champions League draw with Roma. Kartal announced he was stepping down “with no intention of returning”, prompting owner Aziz Yildirim to immediately reject the decision publicly. The confusion deepened when Kartal reportedly switched off his phone and skipped Friday’s training session. By evening, however, the club stated he was still in charge, with preparations for Monday’s match against Gaziantep FK continuing under his leadership.

Turkish insider Yagiz Sabuncuoglu reported that Yildirim held an emotional meeting with Kartal, who had already packed his office, and persuaded him to stay. Kartal returned this summer for a fourth stint after Domenico Tedesco’s departure, backed by nearly €100 million in transfers, but Fenerbahçe have stumbled early, losing two of four league games and sitting ninth. The club now hopes stability will follow the turmoil.