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Fenerbahçe keeps Ismail Kartal after Roma draw

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 8:33 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Kartal Stays

Fenerbahçe retained Ismail Kartal (head coach) after his announced resignation following a 1-1 Champions League draw with Roma.
The match took place on September 10, 2026 at Sükrü Saracoglu Stadium.
President Aziz Yildirim said Kartal remains in charge and cannot leave until Yildirim does.
Yildirim said a fan who threw a water bottle at Kartal was banned under Law No. 6222.

Summary

Fenerbahçe Qualifies

Fenerbahçe qualified for the Champions League group stage after beating Gornik Zabrze, Sturm Graz and Lyon.
New signings Romelu Lukaku and Mason Greenwood joined Fenerbahçe, boosting its attack.
Midfielder Matteo Guendouzi missed the match because of a four-match UEFA suspension.
Roma returned to the Champions League after a seven-year absence, missing Lorenzo Pellegrini with a thigh injury.

History

Historical Context

Founded in 1907, Fenerbahçe became the first Turkish side to reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in 2007-08 under coach Zico, marking a breakthrough in European competition. After an 18-year gap, coach Ismail Kartal secured a 2026-27 Champions League berth, echoing that historic push and reviving the club’s long-standing continental ambition.

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Kartal Stays

Fenerbahçe retained Ismail Kartal (head coach) after his announced resignation following a 1-1 Champions League draw with Roma.
The match took place on September 10, 2026 at Sükrü Saracoglu Stadium.
President Aziz Yildirim said Kartal remains in charge and cannot leave until Yildirim does.
Yildirim said a fan who threw a water bottle at Kartal was banned under Law No. 6222.

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