Fenerbahce head coach İsmail Kartal resigns just minutes after the club’s 1-1 draw with Roma in the Champions League. BBC Sport and Yahoo Sports report that the announcement follows the match and takes place immediately after the final whistle.
The accounts differ on how the resignation is treated by Fenerbahce’s leadership. The Guardian reports that Kartal tells reporters he is leaving “never to return” and says the decision is intended “to clear the way for the club.” However, within minutes, the club president, Aziz Yildrim, says he will keep Kartal in his role. Other reporting referenced by Yahoo Sports indicates that Turkish media had already suggested Kartal could depart before the match, but the club’s public position conflicts with Kartal’s post-match statements.
Overall, all outlets agree the draw with Roma precedes the unexpected announcement. The main point of difference is whether the resignation stands as an accepted exit or is contested by the club.
