Fenerbahçe shock: İsmail Kartal reverses resignation within 24 hours

Events at Fenerbahçe over the past day have left the club's fan base stunned. Following a 1-1 draw against Roma in the UEFA Champions League, İsmail Kartal announced his resignation as head coach during the post-match press conference. His statement — 'While the road is still short, I am resigning from my post, and this time for good' — sent shockwaves through the yellow-and-navy-blue faithful.

According to reports, club president Aziz Yıldırım played a decisive role behind the scenes in reversing the decision. Yıldırım reportedly advised Kartal to take a day to rest following the resignation announcement. Kartal chose on his own not to attend the following day's training session. Later that evening, however, he returned to the club and met with Yıldırım and other board members.

During that meeting, management is said to have told Kartal, 'We want to continue this journey with you.' Those words reportedly convinced the coach to change his mind, and he informed the club he would remain in his post. Shortly afterward, Fenerbahçe confirmed in an official statement that the head coach was staying on.

The club's statement read: 'Our head coach İsmail Kartal remains in his position.' It further confirmed that the squad would train the following day at 11:30 under Kartal's supervision as preparations continue for the upcoming match against Gaziantep FK. The resignation saga, resolved within just 24 hours, now gives way to Kartal's next test on the pitch against Gaziantep FK.