Ismail Kartal and Fenerbahce
11 September 2026
Fenerbahce have confirmed Ismail Kartal remains head coach despite his public resignation after the Champions League draw with Roma. The club said Saturday’s training session would be held under Kartal’s direction, formally reinforcing president Aziz Yildirim’s refusal to accept his exit.
Kartal had cited intense pressure and a bottle-throwing incident before announcing he intended never to return. A day later, the club’s statement moved the situation beyond uncertainty over his absence and said he would continue preparing the team for Gaziantep.