Fenerbahce have confirmed the departure of head coach İsmail Kartal following their 2–1 defeat to Galatasaray in Monday’s Istanbul derby, ending a spell marked by a dramatic resignation episode just weeks earlier.
The Turkish giants announced on Tuesday, October 27, that Kartal had communicated his decision to leave to the club’s management. After discussions, both parties agreed to part ways in what Fenerbahce described as an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect.
The announcement followed Galatasaray’s victory at Rams Park, where Victor Osimhen scored twice to help the hosts reclaim top spot in the Turkish Süper Lig. Irfan Kahveci’s spectacular second half strike gave Fenerbahce hope, but they could not find an equaliser.
Yet the derby result was only the latest development in a managerial saga that had already raised questions about Kartal’s future.
A resignation the club refused to accept
Kartal’s exit carries added significance because he had announced his resignation in September, only for club president Aziz Yildirim to publicly insist that he remain in charge.
The first episode followed Fenerbahce’s 1–1 draw against AS Roma in their Champions League league-phase opener on September 10. The match marked the Turkish club’s return to the competition’s main stage after an 18-year absence.
During his post match press conference, Kartal announced that he was stepping down, saying he wanted to clear the way for the club, his players and future managers.
He also indicated that he did not intend to return, making the announcement sound like a definitive end to his fourth spell in charge.
The decision came after a water bottle thrown from the stands struck him on the head during the match. Contemporary reports also pointed to pressure surrounding the team.
Yildirim, however, rejected the resignation publicly and insisted that Kartal would continue as head coach.
“As long as I am here, Ismail Kartal is the head coach. He cannot leave until I leave,” the president said, according to Anadolu Agency.
The club subsequently confirmed that Kartal would remain in charge, and preparations continued for the team’s next league fixture.
That intervention appeared to have settled the immediate uncertainty. Weeks later, however, the coach’s future would again come into focus.
The derby defeat comes before the final decision
Kartal’s departure was confirmed after Fenerbahce failed to recover from defeat against their fiercest domestic rivals.
At Rams Park, Osimhen opened the scoring in the 29th minute before doubling his tally shortly before half-time. The Nigerian striker’s finishing put Galatasaray in control, although Fenerbahce made the closing stages uncomfortable after Kahveci reduced the deficit with a spectacular scissor kick in the 62nd minute.
Galatasaray survived the late pressure to secure a 2–1 victory, extending their unbeaten run in the Intercontinental Derby to five consecutive Süper Lig meetings.
The result brought renewed scrutiny after a contest in which they had to chase the game from two goals down. Their inability to complete the comeback left them without the result they wanted against their Istanbul rivals.
The following day, the club announced Kartal’s departure.
It thanked him for his work, dedication and commitment before wishing him success in his future career.
A fourth spell ends with the next appointment unresolved
Kartal returned to Fenerbahce in June 2026 for his fourth spell as head coach, taking charge of a club with substantial expectations and a long-awaited return to the Champions League’s main competition.
His departure closes that chapter, although the circumstances differ from his first attempt to leave in September. On that occasion, the president publicly rejected his decision and insisted that he continue. This time, Fenerbahce have confirmed that an agreement to part ways has been reached.
