2026 Fenerbahçe SK Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders (June 6–7)

The 2026 Extraordinary General Assembly of Fenerbahçe Sports Club is an administrative process announced by the club’s current president Sadettin Saran through the club’s official communication channels on 28 April 2026 and scheduled to take place on 6–7 June 2026. This decision follows a series of sporting failures including the football team’s elimination from championship contention and the separation of ties with head coach Domenico Tedesco, signaling the beginning of a new era in club management.

Following the team’s defeat to Galatasaray in the league, which left its championship hopes dependent on miracles, the club was prepared for profound administrative and sporting changes. President Sadettin Saran stated that he had consciously delayed certain administrative decisions during the season to avoid harming the team’s championship campaign and focus, but now concluded that further prolonging the process would be inappropriate.

In this context, Saran fulfilled his promise to the club’s community by publicly announcing that an extraordinary general assembly with elections will be held on 6–7 June to open the way for Fenerbahçe’s renewal and allow a new chapter to begin. It has been emphasized that this decision to hold elections was taken with full responsibility, solely motivated by a vision for the club’s future and free from any personal ambition or resentment.

In a detailed message issued on 28 April 2026, Sadettin Saran reflected on the challenges faced since assuming office and summarized his administration. He stressed that when he took on the role, he did not seek patience or time from the community, recognizing that the club could not afford to lose any more time. Despite operating in an environment where conditions were unequal and opportunities were not equally accessible, he affirmed that they never made excuses and worked tirelessly to bring the club to where it deserves to be. Saran highlighted that they deliberately avoided rhetoric that could divide, alienate or provoke conflict within the community, underscoring that their sole focus was Fenerbahçe’s success.

Saran emphasized that the presidency is not a platform for personal ambition and stated that the ability to step down at the right moment is an important virtue. He argued that the true objective is not to remain in office at the cost of harming the club, but to step aside at the appropriate time to enable its growth. He also addressed Fenerbahçe supporters, urging them to avoid internal disputes and personal agendas that drain the club’s energy, reminding them that the only force capable of uniting and strengthening the community is the collective bond around Fenerbahçe. Saran added that even after stepping down, he will continue to support the club alongside his colleagues in management.

With the date of the general assembly confirmed, various names have begun to circulate in unofficial circles as potential candidates for the presidency. According to unofficial reports in the media, Hakan Safi, Barış Göktürk and Mehmet Ali Aydınlar are emerging as leading contenders, and the election is expected to feature at least three candidates. As the process progresses, candidate lists, board member nominations and head coach commitments will be disclosed to the public, leading to a rapid intensification of the race and the emergence of a highly competitive multi-candidate congress atmosphere.

Alongside the administrative decision to hold elections, significant changes have also been made within the football team’s technical staff. Following the defeat to Galatasaray, which effectively ended the team’s championship prospects, head coach Domenico Tedesco was dismissed. According to media reports, the idea of parting ways with the Italian coach had been considered after the earlier loss to Karagümrük but was not implemented at that time; the final decision was made only after the Galatasaray derby. It was also clarified that the decision was taken independently by the management without any player request or influence.

After Tedesco’s departure, President Sadettin Saran visited the Samandıra Can Bartu Facilities and held a meeting with the players. During this meeting, Saran informed the players that the decision to separate from Tedesco was made to clear the way for the incoming management. He instructed the players to win their remaining three matches and emphasized that the team must at least secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Until the extraordinary general assembly and during the remainder of the season, responsibility for the football team has been entrusted to assistant coach Zeki Murat Göle. The team has begun preparations for its upcoming league match against RAMS Başakşehir FK under Göle’s leadership, with training sessions focusing on indoor drills, passing organization and tactical exercises. The decision regarding the club’s permanent new head coach will be made by the new president and management elected on 6–7 June.

Fenerbahçe Sports Club President Sadettin Saran announced the extraordinary elective general assembly to be held on 6–7 June 2026, marking the beginning of a process in which individuals seeking to assume club leadership have sequentially disclosed their candidacies and strategies to the public. This process has unfolded according to a multifaceted timeline featuring official candidate announcements, internal merger appeals, and withdrawals by several figures previously mentioned as potential candidates.

Following the formal commencement of the election process, those intending to run for president have made their declarations in sequence:

At the outset of the process, former Fenerbahçe administrator and businessman Hakan Safi formally announced his unconditional candidacy for the presidency in the elective extraordinary congress via a written statement. A congress member since 1999, Safi described the club as “a great value, a sense of belonging and a passion alive in the hearts of millions,” and stated that their primary goal upon assuming office would be to bring the team titles in their first season. Safi also emphasized that regardless of who else enters the race, he would not withdraw from the election, firmly asserting his commitment.

Former member of the Board of Directors of Fenerbahçe Football AŞ, Barış Göktürk, has also declared his intention to run for president in the extraordinary elective general assembly.

Prior to the election, former administrator Mehmet Ali Aydınlar, whose name had been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate, issued a written statement declaring he would not run. Aydınlar stated that the public debate sparked by his name being linked to candidacy had harmed Fenerbahçe’s sense of unity and contradicted the principles and values he upholds. Declaring that “Fenerbahçe is the club of values, not individuals,” Aydınlar announced to the public that he would not participate in the extraordinary congress race to prevent the club’s future from being overshadowed by personal disputes.

The club’s former president Aziz Yıldırım announced his candidacy in a written statement to Anadolu Agency. Yıldırım explained that while he had declared his candidacy in 2024 to better manage the club and in 2025 had advocated for younger leaders to take over, the current critical juncture—both economically and sportingly—compelled him to assume responsibility once again. Yıldırım declared himself a candidate for the club’s historic 120th anniversary, arguing that only strengthened unity and solidarity can resolve the chaos currently engulfing Fenerbahçe. In this spirit, he extended a merger proposal to all potential candidates, including previously announced contenders Barış Göktürk and Hakan Safi, emphasizing that experience and youth must act together.

The professional backgrounds and connections to the club of those announced as candidates for the presidency in the elective extraordinary general assembly are as follows:

^{Aziz Yıldırım (AA)}

Born on 2 November 1952, Yıldırım completed his primary and secondary education in Düzce, played amateur football, and graduated as a civil engineer from what is now Gazi University’s Faculty of Engineering. He served on the club’s board between 1990 and 1992 and was elected president of Fenerbahçe Sports Club on 15 February 1998, succeeding Ali Şen. He held the presidency continuously for 20 years until 3 June 2018, when he handed over the position to Ali Koç. During his tenure, the club won six Süper Lig titles, two Turkish Cups, and three Super Cups. In the 2007–2008 season, Fenerbahçe reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League and advanced to the semifinals of the UEFA Europa League. The basketball branch also won the EuroLeague championship in 2017 under his leadership. Numerous facilities including the Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex, Ülker Sports Arena, Topuk Yaylası Facilities, and Can Bartu Facilities were constructed or renovated during his presidency. He also oversaw the transfers of globally renowned stars such as Alex de Souza, Roberto Carlos, Anelka, and Ortega.

^{Hakan Safi (AA)}

Born in 1973 in the Kasımpaşa district of Istanbul, Safi completed his secondary education at FMV Özel Işık High School, earned his undergraduate degree in Economics at Marmara University, and obtained a master’s degree in English Business Administration. He further completed an MBA at Boston University School of Management in the United States. Safi assumed control of his family’s businesses in the 2000s and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Safi Holding, which operates across diverse sectors including coal trading, port management (Safiport Derince), cement, food (Çorum Sugar Factory), and maritime industries. With a net worth of $750 million, he ranks 61st on Forbes Turkey’s list of the 100 Richest Turks. He has also held positions within the club’s board during the administrations of Ali Koç, elected in June 2024, and Sadettin Saran.

^{Barış Göktürk (AA)}

Born in Istanbul in 1982, Göktürk graduated from Saint Benoit French High School and the University of California with a degree in Business Economics. As Chairman of the Founding Board of Göktürk Holding and CEO of Yükselen Çelik A.Ş., he leads a group with companies operating in iron and steel, industry, commercial real estate, and exhibition management across Türkiye, the United States and Germany. In 2013, he acquired Ramateks Metal from the US-based Mechel Group and took Yükselen Çelik public in 2019. In 2022, he was ranked 29th on The Economist’s list of the 40 most successful CEOs and businesspeople under 40 in Türkiye. A member of the National Die Manufacturers Union (UKUB) and the Defense Aviation Cluster (SAHA), Göktürk served on the Board of Directors of Fenerbahçe Football AŞ during the 2024–2025 term and held the position of Executive Chairman of the Fenerbahçe Development Platform.

Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü President Sadettin Saran announced the extraordinary elective general assembly to be held on 6–7 June 2026, marking the beginning of a process in which individuals seeking to take over the club’s leadership have sequentially disclosed their candidacies and strategies. This process has unfolded according to a multifaceted timeline featuring official candidacy announcements, internal merger appeals, and the withdrawal of several previously mentioned figures from the race.

Following the formal initiation of the election process, those intending to run for president have made their declarations in sequence:

At the outset of the process, former Fenerbahçe administrator and businessman Hakan Safi formally announced in a written statement his unconditional candidacy for the presidency at the elective extraordinary congress. A congress member since 1999, Safi described the club as “a great value, a sense of belonging and a passion alive in the hearts of millions,” and stated that their primary goal upon assuming office would be to bring the team back to championship success in their first season. Safi also emphasized that regardless of who else enters the race, he would not withdraw from the election.

Former member of the Board of Directors of Fenerbahçe Futbol AŞ, Barış Göktürk, has also declared his intention to run for president in the extraordinary elective general assembly.

The club’s former president Aziz Yıldırım announced his candidacy in a written statement to Anadolu Agency. Yıldırım stated that he had declared his candidacy in 2024 to better manage the club, and in 2025 attempted to make way for new leadership by advocating that “the youth must take over.” However, given the current critical juncture facing the club economically and sportingly, he has decided to assume responsibility once again. Yıldırım declared his candidacy for the club’s legendary 120th anniversary, arguing that the only way out of the current chaos is through strengthened unity and solidarity. In this spirit, he has extended a merger proposal to all potential candidates, including Barış Göktürk and Hakan Safi, who previously announced their candidacies, emphasizing that experience and youth must move forward together.

The professional backgrounds and connections to the club of those announced as candidates for the presidency in the elective extraordinary general assembly are as follows:

^{Aziz Yıldırım (AA)}

Born on 2 November 1952, Yıldırım completed his primary and secondary education in Düzce, played amateur football, and graduated as a civil engineer from what is now Gazi University’s Faculty of Engineering. He served on the club’s board between 1990 and 1992, and was elected President of Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü on 15 February 1998, succeeding Ali Şen. He held the presidency continuously from 1998 to 2018, stepping down at the general assembly on 3 June 2018 in favor of Ali Koç. During his tenure, the club won six Süper Lig titles, two Turkish Cups, and three Turkish Super Cups. In the 2007–2008 season, the football team reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League and advanced to the semifinals of the UEFA Europa League. Additionally, the basketball branch won the EuroLeague championship in 2017 under his leadership. Numerous facilities including the Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex, Ülker Sports Arena, Topuk Yaylası Facilities, and Can Bartu Facilities were constructed or renovated during his presidency. He also oversaw the transfers of globally renowned stars such as Alex de Souza, Roberto Carlos, Anelka, and Ortega.

^{Hakan Safi (AA)}

Born in 1973 in the Kasımpaşa district of Istanbul, Safi completed his undergraduate studies at Marmara University’s Department of Economics and earned a master’s degree in English Business Administration. He further obtained an MBA from Boston University School of Management in the United States. Safi assumed control of his family’s businesses in the 2000s and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Safi Holding, which operates across diverse sectors including coal trading, port management (Safiport Derince), cement, food (Çorum Sugar Factory), and maritime industries. With a net worth of $750 million, he ranks 61st on Forbes Turkey’s list of “The 100 Richest Turks.” He has also held positions within the club’s board during the presidencies of Ali Koç and Sadettin Saran, both elected in June 2024.

^{Barış Göktürk (AA)}

Born in Istanbul in 1982, Göktürk is a graduate of Saint Benoit French High School and the University of California with a degree in Business Economics. As Chairman of the Founding Board of Göktürk Holding and CEO of Yükselen Çelik A.Ş., he leads a group with companies operating in iron and steel, industry, commercial real estate, and exhibition sectors across Türkiye, the United States, and Germany. In 2013, he acquired Ramateks Metal from the US-based Mechel Group, and in 2019 he led the public offering of Yükselen Çelik. In 2022, he was ranked 29th on The Economist’s list of “Turkey’s 40 Most Successful CEOs and Businesspeople Under 40.” Göktürk is a member of the National Die Makers Association (UKUB) and the Defense Aviation Cluster (SAHA). He served on the Board of Directors of Fenerbahçe Futbol AŞ during the 2024–2025 term and held the position of Executive Chairman of the Fenerbahçe Development Platform.

The 2026 Extraordinary General Assembly of Fenerbahçe Sports Club was announced by the club’s current president, Sadettin Saran, through the club’s official communication channels on 28 April 2026 and is scheduled to take place on 29–30 May 2026. This administrative decision follows a series of sporting failures, including the football team’s elimination from the championship race and the separation of ties with head coach Domenico Tedesco, and signals the beginning of a new era in club management.

Following Fenerbahçe’s defeat to Galatasaray in the league, which left the team’s championship hopes dependent on miracles, the club was prepared for profound administrative and sporting changes. President Sadettin Saran stated that, in order to avoid damaging the team’s championship campaign and focus during the season, certain administrative decisions had been deliberately postponed. However, he concluded that further delaying the process would no longer be appropriate.

In this context, Saran publicly announced that an extraordinary general assembly with elections would be held on 6–7 June 2026, fulfilling his promise to the community and paving the way for a new chapter in the club’s history. It was emphasized that this decision to hold elections was taken with full responsibility, solely in the interest of the club’s future, and without any personal ambition or resentment.

In a detailed message published on 28 April 2026, Sadettin Saran reflected on the challenges faced since assuming office and summarized his administration’s efforts. He stressed that when he took on the role, he did not seek patience or time from the community, understanding that the club could not afford to lose any more time. Despite operating in an environment where conditions were unequal and opportunities were not equally accessible, he affirmed that they never made excuses and worked tirelessly to elevate the club to its rightful position. Saran highlighted that they deliberately avoided any rhetoric that could divide, alienate, or provoke conflict within the community, emphasizing that their sole focus was always Fenerbahçe’s success.

Saran stated that the presidency should never be used as a platform for personal ambition and underscored that the ability to step down at the right moment is a significant virtue. He argued that the true objective must be to grow the club by stepping aside at the appropriate time rather than remaining in office and causing harm. He also appealed to Fenerbahçe supporters, reminding them that internal disputes and personal agendas drain the club’s energy, and that the only force capable of strengthening the community is unity around Fenerbahçe. Saran added that even after leaving office, he would continue to support the club alongside his colleagues in management.

With the date of the general assembly confirmed, various names have begun to circulate in unofficial circles as potential candidates for the presidency. According to unofficial reports in the media, Hakan Safi, Barış Göktürk, and Mehmet Ali Aydınlar have emerged as leading contenders, and the election is expected to feature at least three candidates. As the process progresses, candidate lists, board member nominations, and head coach commitments will be made public, accelerating the race and fostering a highly competitive, multi-candidate convention atmosphere.

Alongside the administrative decision to hold elections, significant changes have also been made within the football team’s technical staff. Following the defeat to Galatasaray, which effectively ended the team’s championship prospects, head coach Domenico Tedesco was dismissed. According to media reports, the idea of parting ways with the Italian coach had been discussed after the earlier loss to Karagümrük but was not implemented at that time. The final decision was made only after the Galatasaray derby. It was also clarified that the decision was made entirely independently by the management, without any player request or influence.

After Tedesco’s departure, President Sadettin Saran visited the Samandıra Can Bartu Facilities and held a meeting with the players. During this meeting, Saran informed the players that the decision to separate from Tedesco was taken to clear the path for the incoming management. He instructed the players to win their remaining three matches and emphasized that the team must at least secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Until the extraordinary general assembly and during the remainder of the season, responsibility for the football team has been entrusted to assistant coach Zeki Murat Göle. The team has begun preparations for its upcoming league match against RAMS Başakşehir FK under Göle’s guidance, with training sessions focusing on indoor drills, passing organization, and tactical exercises. The decision regarding the team’s permanent new head coach will be made by the new club president and management, to be elected on 6–7 June.

As part of the process leading to the extraordinary general assembly of Fenerbahçe Sports Club scheduled for 29–30 May, various statements have been made by presidential candidate Aziz Yıldırım. These statements, delivered during events organized by the Maltepe Fenerbahçeli Fans Association at the Maltepe Municipality Republic Culture Center and during association visits, cover topics such as the grounds for candidacy, the club’s sporting objectives, transfer policies, management strategies, and internal community unity. Aziz Yıldırım’s declarations include criticisms of the club’s past performance and outline plans for the future.

^{Aziz Yıldırım (AA)}

Aziz Yıldırım linked his decision to run in the extraordinary general assembly to developments in previous years. In his assessment, he stated that the narrative of “for the children” used during the 2024 process was necessary to ensure the emergence of a new generation of Fenerbahçeli supporters, which he deemed essential for the club’s future. He expressed confidence that, given favorable conditions and his team’s election, decisive success would be achieved in 2024. However, he explained that he did not pursue candidacy in 2025, as there was an expectation that a younger member of the community would restore the club and halt its decline.

As someone who served as club president for twenty years and experienced both good and difficult times during that period, Yıldırım rejected the label of “wise man” often attributed to him in public opinion and on social media, instead defining himself as a Fenerbahçeli actively engaged in the club’s operations. He also opposed being called an “legendary president,” emphasizing that true legends in history are figures such as Fatih Sultan Mehmet and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, whose legacies transcend time. He stressed that he and his team have come forward solely to serve the club. He declared that he has no personal ambition to return as president; he previously served as president, was imprisoned, and respects the decision made by the congress members in 2018.

The current management’s and the club’s sporting performance over the past eight years features prominently in Aziz Yıldırım’s statements. He argued that since his departure in 2018, the club has failed to achieve success. In response to claims that the community’s path has been obstructed, he pointed to the fact that despite accumulating 99 points in the league, the club failed to win the championship and finished second nine times, which he characterized as clear indicators of failure. He maintained that second place or high point totals are insufficient and unacceptable if a championship is not won.

Yıldırım set a clear objective for the club’s upcoming period: he asserted that Fenerbahçe is obligated to win the football championship in the 2026–2027 season and warned that failure to achieve this would expose the community to grave dangers. He reminded the audience that Fenerbahçe has the potential to win the championship, as demonstrated in past achievements. Yıldırım pledged to carry out this intervention, under any circumstances, to halt the club’s decline.

Regarding financial matters and transfer strategies, Yıldırım criticized the financial promises made by other candidates during the election process, emphasizing that his team has never promoted a narrative based on “putting in money.” He stated that necessary steps will be taken according to the club’s actual needs, following the principle: “Fenerbahçe wants something, we will do it, and we will do it again.” He affirmed that the required coach and players will be brought to the team without exception.

A renewal process in management philosophy has been announced, including the formation of a new management group modeled after the team established in 1998 that delivered significant service to the club. It was stated that the new board members, who are expected to serve the club for many years, will be officially introduced to the public on 22 May. Full transparency in all activities and processes has been guaranteed.

In his statements, Aziz Yıldırım particularly emphasized the importance of the 3 July 2011 process to the community and stressed that this period must never be forgotten. He unequivocally declared that the 3 July process represents the “red line” of the Fenerbahçe community. He recalled how half a million people took to the streets of Bağdat Caddesi and one million at Anıtkabir during that period, demonstrating the community’s strength. Although Yıldırım assumed leadership as president during 3 July, he emphasized that the real fighters and resisters were the Fenerbahçe community itself. He declared that any attempt to seize or undermine the club’s rights will be met with total resistance.

Another key point underscored during the election process was the necessity of preserving community unity. It was stated that solidarity and cohesion will be ensured and that no seeds of division will be allowed to take root. The public was warned not to believe information spread by trolls on social media and to rely exclusively on official communications from the club. Mutual respect among members inside and outside the club, as well as on the stands, was called for, along with strong support for the club’s coach and players.

During the extraordinary general assembly process, Barış Göktürk withdrew his own candidacy in favor of Aziz Yıldırım and decided to continue supporting Yıldırım’s campaign. He also made statements during the organized events. Göktürk highlighted that Fenerbahçe has not won a championship in the past 12 years, describing the current situation as a “period of stagnation,” and affirmed that the community will overcome this together.

^{Barış Göktürk (AA)}

Referring to Fenerbahçe’s eight championships over the past 40 years, Göktürk noted that during those periods the club stood at the pinnacle of both sporting and economic success. He recalled that the four-year championship streak of a rival club had previously been broken under Aziz Yıldırım’s leadership, and expressed confidence that this streak will be broken again under Yıldırım, whom he described as the most experienced captain. He also shared with the public the belief that Fenerbahçe will win the championship in its 120th anniversary year. The events concluded with photographs taken after Barış Göktürk’s statements and the presentation of gifts to Aziz Yıldırım.

Fenerbahçe Sports Club President Sadettin Saran and accompanying club officials made official statements on 19 May 2026 in the context of the club’s women’s football team’s championship victory. These statements focus on the club’s administrative structure, the sporting achievements attained during the current board’s term, the process of the board’s departure, and issues of institutional loyalty within the club. The statements serve as a summary of the board’s seven-month period of activity and have been formally recorded as a commitment to support the incoming administration following the transition of power.

^{Fenerbahçe Club President Sadettin Saran (AA)}

The administrative statements were delivered during and after the trophy ceremony marking the championship victory of the Fenerbahçe ArsaVev Women’s Football Team. The team faced Ünye Kadın Spor Kulübü at the Chobani Stadium and secured an 8-0 victory. Following this decisive win, President Sadettin Saran descended onto the pitch to participate in the championship celebrations and trophy ceremony, where he addressed members of the press with an assessment of the club’s situation. The fact that the date of the statements, 19 May 2026, coincided with 19 May Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day, was highlighted by the officials as an element enhancing the institutional historical significance of this sporting achievement.

In his statements, Fenerbahçe Sports Club President Sadettin Saran objectively evaluated the board’s seven-month term. Saran noted that the period had passed very quickly and emphasized that the board had worked intensively, often combining night and day in their efforts. He also shared that during this time a harmonious and effective working team was established within the club.

In his remarks regarding the departure process, Sadettin Saran clearly rejected internal factionalism and emphasized institutional loyalty. While describing the departure of board members, Saran firmly stated that no individual left the club under the label of “Sadettin supporter” and that the entire team had departed solely “for Fenerbahçe.” These statements were presented as a declaration that the administration prioritized the club’s interests above personal agendas. Additionally, Saran affirmed that support for the incoming administration would continue after the current board’s departure.

Another key point emphasized in President Sadettin Saran’s statements was the number of trophies and sporting successes achieved during the board’s term. In addition to highlighting the newly won women’s football championship trophy, Saran also referenced the status of the club’s men’s basketball team. He noted that if the basketball team were to win the EuroLeague, currently scheduled to be held in Greece, the current board would hold the distinction of being the administration to have won the most trophies in a single season.

Fenerbahçe Sports Club’s comprehensive goals and strategies for the club’s administrative financial and sporting future were shared with the public during the process of the extraordinary general assembly scheduled for 2026. These statements were made at events organized by a fans’ association at the Kozyatağı Culture Center and at a hotel in Istanbul attended by general assembly members. They were framed around the restructuring of the football team the restoration of community unity and the creation of a long-term institutional vision. Safi characterized the dates of 6–7 June as a historic threshold for the club and made detailed commitments regarding his management philosophy and projects.

^{Hakan Safi (AA)}

Hakan Safi stated that during the election campaign he maintained communication with Fenerbahçe fans across all regions of Türkiye through election headquarters and analyzed the community’s expectations. Safi referenced his administrative experience within the club noting that he had served on the board of directors during the two previous elections held a management position for 15 months and has been a member of the board of trustees for approximately two years. Safi emphasized that his 53-year life has been defined by his affiliation with the club and that he is not new to club politics.

Pointing to the deadline of Friday 22 May for the submission of candidacy files Safi announced that the list of the board of directors and administrative preferences for Fenerbahçe AŞ would be disclosed to the public on the same day. He indicated that discussions had been held with determined energetic and enthusiastic candidates committed to serving Fenerbahçe with the aim of assembling the strongest and most effective management team. To support the administrative structure the “Wise Men” project will be implemented under which regularly scheduled knowledge exchanges will take place with individuals deeply familiar with the club’s culture experienced and established figures in the club’s history.

^{Hakan Safi (AA)}

The central focus of the statements was the objectives of the senior football team. It was acknowledged that the club has endured a 12-year championship drought and Safi pledged that if elected the club would win the absolute championship in its first season. To achieve this goal the principle of combining sound football intelligence with strong financial resources has been adopted and it was stated that one of the best squads in the club’s history would be assembled.

Providing details on transfer policy Safi declared that ordinary transfers would not be pursued and that the players brought in would hold world-star status. He affirmed that a team engineering approach would be applied to create a squad capable of pressuring rivals and thrilling the stands. The team’s calendar was also clarified with the team scheduled to assemble at the end of June to begin training and to compete fully prepared in the Champions League preliminary matches in July.

Regarding the sporting management model Safi stated that he does not believe in the institution of a sporting director and that he will be directly and personally involved in establishing football intelligence. He emphasized that only professionals who have a deep understanding of the country and are experts in their fields will be hired.

Hakan Safi stated that he will integrate his commercial experience which began at age 14 and led to the founding of a business with connections in over 80 countries into Fenerbahçe’s institutional structure. He indicated that instead of the single-decision-maker CEO model he embraces in business the club’s management will adopt a team-based philosophy grounded in merit and expertise.

^{Hakan Safi (AA)}

Safi acknowledged awareness of current criticisms that Fenerbahçe is weak on the pitch and incapable of lobbying and affirmed that these weaknesses will be addressed. He pledged that no arena will be left unchallenged and that every empty seat will be filled with a Fenerbahçe supporter. Regarding the financial situation he stated that the club’s debt burden will not constitute a problem and that all material and spiritual needs will be met unconditionally and without reservation.

Alongside the short-term sporting championship goal medium- and long-term visions have also been defined. Plans have been outlined for education youth development institutionalization and infrastructure projects with the aim of laying the foundations of Fenerbahçe’s 2050 identity today. Regarding the election strategy it was emphasized that decisions will not be driven by current conditions or calculations but will be guided by a consistent and principled stance.

Safi determined that the club’s only real problem is not winning championships and noted that a championship alone will not instantly resolve existing issues. He observed that “unfortunately the Fenerbahçe family has become widely dispersed” and that this fragmentation hinders the effective use of the club’s immense power and potential. He stressed that unity is not merely an election goal but that a shared emotional environment must be established in which fans and the club hold the same feelings.

In defining Fenerbahçe’s identity Safi emphasized that the club’s true strength does not lie solely in trophies won but must be assessed through the people it has nurtured the culture it has built and the lives it has touched. In this context Fenerbahçe is envisioned to transcend being merely a structure for match-watching and become a school guiding youth and an integrated part of daily life. Forgotten club traditions will be revived and new initiatives targeting members and fans will be implemented to ensure that the privilege of being Fenerbahçeli is felt every day.

^{Statements by Aziz Yıldırım (AA Table – 5 June 2026) (AA)}

On 5 June 2026, Aziz Yıldırım, candidate for president of Fenerbahçe Sports Club, participated in the Spor Masası program hosted by Anadolu Agency (AA) at its International News Center in Istanbul. Ahead of the extraordinary general assembly scheduled for 6–7 June 2026, he shared his campaign vision, administrative restructuring plans, sporting objectives, and evaluations of past periods with the public.

Aziz Yıldırım stated that the election atmosphere is progressing on a positive footing and that both candidates are figures emerging from within the Fenerbahçe community. Describing the election process as a contest between “facts” and “illusions,” Yıldırım characterized his opponent’s promises as unrealistic and emphasized that congress members possess the awareness to distinguish between the two. He argued that the spending plans proposed by the opposing side, reaching 300–400 million dollars, pose a danger to the club and warned that current financial difficulties could worsen under such unrealistic measures.

Yıldırım framed his candidacy not as a personal ambition but as a necessity to intervene in the club’s declining trajectory. He noted that Fenerbahçe’s 12-year championship drought has reached a point where it is damaging the club’s stature. He highlighted that the seven-year gap in titles compared to rival clubs could expand to 20 years in the coming decades, making it impossible to close the gap. He declared his candidacy as a measure to prevent this threat. Yıldırım clearly stated that he seeks only a one-year term to restore the club and will not run again at the next ordinary general assembly if he fails. He also affirmed that if he does not win, he will support the management of his opponent Hakan Safi and will not foster internal opposition within the club.

^{Statements by Aziz Yıldırım (AA Table – 5 June 2026) (AA)}

Aziz Yıldırım argued that the club, given its current state, does not need a “chairman” but a visionary “leader” with the capacity to organize. He asserted that leadership is not a skill acquired later in life but an innate quality, and defined his own role as bringing together all administrators, assigning responsibilities, and providing them with support. He noted that the former spirit of unity and solidarity has been lost, causing potential presidential candidates to hesitate to step forward.

Yıldırım drew attention to the fragmentation within the club’s institutional structure, noting that there are currently around 180 associations, which have contributed to division within the community. As a solution, he stressed the necessity of uniting all associations under a single umbrella in every city and emphasized that the community’s cohesion is essential. In terms of institutional planning, he stated that the club requires a comprehensive five-year plan that goes beyond football alone and includes other sports branches, infrastructure development, and financial budgeting. Regarding past management practices, he highlighted the presence of women in leadership roles and the involvement of Zeynep Sabancı in the design process of Fenerium stores.

At the center of Yıldırım’s sporting objectives is ending the 12-year championship drought and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Referring to the atmosphere at home matches in Kadıköy, Yıldırım recalled that in the past rival teams were unable to earn points during away matches at Fenerbahçe. He criticized the current tendency to celebrate draws and insisted that the principle of absolute victory at home must be reinstated.

^{Statements by Aziz Yıldırım (AA Table – 5 June 2026) (AA)}

On team management, Yıldırım rejected the Turkish notion of “non-interference in the head coach’s decisions,” asserting that responsibility for on-field failures lies directly with management. He stated that the management will intervene when the head coach makes erroneous decisions and will ensure complete confidentiality and discipline within the Samandıra facilities. Regarding the head coach selection, he confirmed that discussions have been held with both local and foreign candidates but stated that no names will be disclosed until all decisions are finalized, citing past failures of high-profile coaches such as José Mourinho as examples.

Providing concrete details on transfer policy, Yıldırım pledged that the majority of transfers will be completed by 25 June 2026, when the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins. He emphasized that the team’s greatest weakness lies in the striker position and announced plans to sign two strikers and one young winger. He argued that problems related to foreign player quotas can be overcome through domestic transfers. He dismissed as “six empty fantasies” the transfer rumors promoted by his opponent Hakan Safi on television programs, including names such as Kylian Mbappé and Merih Demiral. He also criticized the previous administration’s acquisition of Sidiki Cherif on financial grounds, asserting that paying 22 million euros for a player who could have been signed for 5–7 million euros has harmed the club. He added that he will not sell illusions solely to win the election and considers it wrong for managers to feed false stories to the media.

While analyzing the causes of Fenerbahçe’s failures, Yıldırım opened a specific parenthesis on the 3 July process. He stated that Fenerbahçe was the first to resist the FETÖ’s goal of seizing control of Türkiye and that the organization’s first blow was struck against the yellow-and-navy community. Yıldırım emphasized that the 3 July operation was not a simple match-fixing case but a conspiracy aimed at crippling the club, creating deep vulnerability and halting both sporting and economic progress. He pointed out that due to court cases conducted under FETÖ influence between 2012 and 2021, the club’s energy was spent for nearly a decade in courtrooms.

In response to criticisms regarding his recent lack of championships, Yıldırım offered a statistical rebuttal: six of Fenerbahçe’s 19 league titles were won during his tenure, and when the three championships narrowly missed in his final season are included, his leadership’s signature is evident in a large portion of the club’s championship history. He affirmed that even if Mehmet Ali Aydınlar had run for president, he would still have entered the race, underscoring the importance of past struggles. Finally, he stated that they did not come to fight anyone and that their sole aim is to repair the current fragility and return the club to its former era of success.

^{Hakan Safi’s Statements (AA Table – 5 June 2026) – (AA)}" image-element-format="right" image-height="5236" image-source="https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/06/06/CbXso17AvW2W7KpWqnZeiDsIwBhBabZL.jpg" image-width="7855">

Fenerbahçe Sports Club presidential candidate Hakan Safi detailed his campaign promises and projects during the Sports Table program hosted by the Anadolu Agency (AA) at its International News Center in Istanbul, ahead of the Extraordinary General Assembly scheduled for 6–7 June 2026.

Hakan Safi argued that the presidency must be held by individuals aged between 50 and 65. He noted that he previously served as a club administrator for 15 months, during which he observed firsthand the club’s administrative structure and the challenges it faced. Safi emphasized a stark contrast between his vision and that of rival candidate Aziz Yıldırım, describing it as the difference between night and day, black and white. He claimed Yıldırım prefers to remain entrenched in past conflicts and outdated practices, whereas he and his team are focused on preparing the club for the 2050s with a vision free of resentment and arrogance.

Safi criticized Yıldırım for positioning himself as the club’s owner and speaking from a position of authority. He stressed that the true owners of Fenerbahçe are its 30 million supporters and the 65,000 congress members who represent them. He asserted that management positions are a trust, not a personal possession, and that the club needs administrators who work as servants, not as patrons or leaders. Safi also highlighted inconsistencies in Yıldırım’s statements, noting that Yıldırım could not pronounce the name “Mbappé” despite making transfer claims involving him, while simultaneously claiming there was no budget to acquire Ferdi Kadıoğlu’s registration rights. Safi openly opposes the sport director model and characterized Yıldırım’s support for it as one of the key differences between their management philosophies.

Hakan Safi pledged to spend €250 million on transfers if elected. He defined the core of his strategy as bringing “world stars” to the club. He explained that new signings would join the team first, while departures would be determined later, with detailed contingency plans—Plans B, C and D—already prepared. Safi described the target profile for new signings as “two or three domestic world stars and two or three foreign world stars.”

^{Hakan Safi’s Statements (AA Table – 5 June 2026) – (AA)}" image-element-format="right" image-height="4390" image-source="https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/06/06/wQYxlTRxwduaPgUk2KJB6utksHTzJiK3.jpg" image-width="6585">

Safi’s approach to transfer negotiations involves bypassing agents and engaging directly with players, their families or club owners. As a businessman with international trade ties to over 80 countries, he claimed to possess an extensive communication network and argued that agent involvement inflates transfer costs, which is why he avoids working with them. He firmly denied allegations that he offered €2 million to a London-based agent to announce a transfer in his name.

The concrete transfers planned or confirmed are as follows:

• Mason Greenwood: The English footballer, whose statistics and performance over the past two to three years have been thoroughly reviewed by the team, is set to sign a four-year contract.
• Kerem Aktürkoğlu: A unique image rights contract model, unprecedented in Turkish sports history, has been arranged whereby Safi personally finances the transfer and presents the player as a gift to Fenerbahçe.
• Hakan Çalhanoğlu: Negotiations with the Turkish national team and Inter player began in September 2025. Safi stated that he has entered the national team dressing room, distributed bonuses to players and built mutual trust-based relationships with them.

Regarding the club’s technical management, Safi rejected the sport director model and affirmed that a head coach familiar with the Turkish league—whether local or foreign—will be appointed. He noted that since the club will face another election in one year, projects are planned on a 1+3 year basis, but winning the championship in the first year is a mandatory objective. Safi pledged to announce the head coach’s name to the public within the first week after receiving the mandate following the election.

Speaking on squad structure, Safi emphasized that every player under contract at Fenerbahçe is valuable, but necessary adjustments will be made in light of realities such as the foreign player limit. He noted that the current squad appears numerically oversized and announced that players such as Livakovic and Amrabat will be evaluated after the World Cup. As a former athlete, Safi said he understands the dressing room culture and committed to dedicating most of his time to the Samandıra Facilities and the club headquarters.

In his assessment of the club’s financial situation, Hakan Safi identified that revenues from the stadium, sponsorships and Fenerium lag behind those of competitors. He noted that Galatasaray’s stadium revenue stands at €120 million, while Fenerbahçe’s is at €80 million. He stated that failure to qualify for the Champions League and limitations in stadium capacity have resulted in a combined income loss of €80 million. Safi also highlighted the high budget allocated to amateur branches and announced that the stadium’s capacity will be increased to 64,500, achieving a 40 percent expansion (noting that UEFA regulations had previously reduced capacity from 52,500 to 45,000).

^{Hakan Safi’s Statements (AA Table – 5 June 2026) – (AA)}" image-element-format="right" image-height="4967" image-source="https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2026/06/06/KyArs9DDwKndzXmqC0EdY0TsipMgxh9o.jpg" image-width="7451">

One of the most significant financial initiatives proposed is the creation of a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), named “Fenerbahçe REIT.” The system aims to grant the club one million square meters of construction area. Safi claimed that while Fenerbahçe’s current brand value is €5 billion, the current management can utilize only 10 percent of it. He reminded the public that he and his team manage billion-dollar companies, not grocery stores, and asserted that new financial models will enable them to manage the club’s financial obligations and transform it into a “billion-euro club.” He clarified that the club has no financial debt, only short- and long-term liabilities.

Hakan Safi stated that all his energy is directed toward better managing Fenerbahçe. He emphasized that he has never lost an election he entered and is confident, statistically and morally, that he will win this one. Safi criticized Aziz Yıldırım for withdrawing support from the club after losing the 2018 election, noting that Yıldırım stopped attending matches. He declared that if elected, he will not expect any support from Yıldırım.

Safi described the congress scheduled for 6–7 June as a “festival of democracy,” framing the election as a choice between a “patron mentality” seeking to perpetuate its rule and a “trustee mentality” that recognizes the supporters as the true owners of the club. He invited all delegates to stand by the ballot boxes and announced to the public that his goal is to assume office on 8 June, immediately after receiving the mandate, and to implement his promises through signed, binding contracts.

The first day of the 2026 Fenerbahçe SK Extraordinary General Assembly was held on Saturday, 6 June 2026, at the Chobani Stadium within the Fenerbahçe Şükrü Saracoğlu Sports Complex. On the first day of the two-day congress, financial and administrative reports were presented, audit reports were read, votes of discharge were held for both outgoing and incumbent management boards, decisions regarding members’ disciplinary proceedings were adopted, and official speeches were delivered by the incumbent president and presidential candidates. The total number of members entitled to attend the General Assembly and vote was announced as 44,741. For the presidency, two former presidents, Aziz Yıldırım and Hakan Safi, submitted their candidacies.

The congress opened with an address by Ali Gürbüz, a member of the Board of Management responsible for legal affairs. In his speech, Gürbüz thanked members for exercising their democratic right to assemble and stated that this process would strengthen Fenerbahçe’s democracy. Following a vote to determine the leadership of the Presidium, Şekip Mosturoğlu was elected as Presidium Chairman. Under Mosturoğlu’s chairmanship, the previously established agenda items were put to vote and approved by the General Assembly.

During the meeting, brief tensions and unauthorized demonstrations occurred in the D-block tribunes. Presidium Chairman Şekip Mosturoğlu issued official warnings stating that unauthorized individuals had entered the stadium, creating security risks, and that if these individuals did not leave the stadium or cease their actions, the meeting would be suspended. A 15-minute break was granted to restore order, after which the meeting resumed from where it had been interrupted.

On the first day of the General Assembly, the club’s financial and administrative periods covering two distinct timeframes were reviewed. First, former General Secretary Burak Çağlan Kızılhan took the podium and presented the Board of Management activity report for the period from 1 June 2025 to 21 September 2025 to the assembly members.

Subsequently, the current General Secretary Orhan Demirel presented the Board of Management activity report for the period from 22 September 2025 to 28 February 2026. In his presentation, Demirel stated that cash payments made for player transfers during the relevant period amounted to 24 million euros, that sponsor and advertising revenues had increased by 27 million euros, and that the club’s total revenues had reached 100 million euros. During the reading of the reports, the club’s total debt was also disclosed: as of 28 February 2026, the club’s debt stood at 26 billion 202 million Turkish Liras.

The Audit Board and Board of Management activity reports were presented to members by Erdoğan Sağlam, a member of the Board of Management at BDO, and Hulusi Keskin on behalf of the Audit Board. Both reports were approved by a majority vote. After the presentations, three congress members addressed the podium with their views, to which official responses were provided by Board of Management members Burçin Gözlüklü and İlker Alkun, as well as General Secretary Orhan Demirel.

Following the presentation of financial statements and activity reports, votes of discharge were held for two distinct management bodies that had held responsibility within the club. In the first vote, the management board led by former president Ali Y. Koç was evaluated for its activities between 1 June 2025 and 21 September 2025 and was granted discharge by a majority vote. In the second vote, the incumbent management board led by president Sadettin Saran was put to vote for its activities between 22 September 2025 and 28 February 2026 and was likewise granted discharge by a majority vote on administrative and financial grounds.

The congress agenda also included votes on disciplinary proceedings and membership applications. As a result of these proceedings, a majority vote decided to expel member Samet Demir, registered under file number 56486. Conversely, the expulsion decisions against Kamil Mehmet Bilge (file number 7485) and Erdem Atay (file number 18560) were annulled by a majority vote of the General Assembly. Additionally, Tarkan İsmet Göncü’s membership application was formally presented to the General Assembly by Board of Management member Ali Gürbüz with reasons for rejection and was ultimately denied by a majority vote.

Following the completion of the financial and administrative discharge processes, the incumbent president Sadettin Saran and presidential candidates Aziz Yıldırım and Hakan Safi each took the podium to deliver detailed official speeches addressing the club’s past, current situation, and future. Each speech was structured around the club’s sporting objectives, administrative structure, and institutional vision.

In his address to the congress members, incumbent president Sadettin Saran stated that he was delivering the final speech of his term and provided a comprehensive summary and evaluation of his tenure. Saran emphasized that he and his team did not assume responsibility because conditions were favorable, but because they believed Fenerbahçe needed them. He stated that rather than avoiding responsibility, they chose to roll up their sleeves, and instead of complaining about difficulties, they focused relentlessly on finding solutions.

^{Sadettin Saran (AA)}

Saran informed the General Assembly that as soon as there was any possibility that legal proceedings involving him personally could harm Fenerbahçe, they immediately decided to step down. He stated that this decision was a direct consequence of the principle of placing the club’s interests above all else, and clarified that “Even if we had won the cup, I would still be saying goodbye to you today,” underscoring that their decision was not tied to daily sporting outcomes.

While expressing regret that the congress process had been turned by some factions into a new arena of conflict, Saran emphasized that Fenerbahçe had become a fragile community over time, and that the bitterness and anger stemming from not winning the championship had fueled internal struggles. He stressed that the club was now fighting itself rather than its rivals. While acknowledging that he may have made mistakes or taken wrong decisions, he underscored the good faith behind all actions and declared that he was leaving office with his head held high and his conscience clear. Finally, he affirmed that serving Fenerbahçe does not begin and end with a position, concluding with the words: “Fenerbahçe is greater than yesterday, greater than today, greater than all of us,” and pledged his continued support for the new leadership and president to be elected.

^{Aziz Yıldırım (AA)}

Aziz Yıldırım, former president of Fenerbahçe Sports Club and presidential candidate, began his speech by addressing assembly members as “my comrades, my fellow litigants,” dedicating extensive portions to his deep spiritual bond with the club and the struggles of past periods. Yıldırım stated that what made him “Aziz Yıldırım” was not his professional career or business life, but entirely his connection to Fenerbahçe and its members.

In his speech, Yıldırım specifically referenced the “3 July” period and conspiracies against the club, recalling how during a time when a network of betrayal, infiltrating the state and aiming to undermine the nation, launched slanderous attacks and coups to seize control of Fenerbahçe, club members resisted before anyone else—even before police and state authorities. He emphasized that he could never forget the support he received from fans during his birthday in prison, and stressed that this loyalty and affection created an unpaid debt, which is why he was running again.

^{Aziz Yıldırım (AA)}

Addressing sporting failures and the 12-year championship drought, Yıldırım openly acknowledged that four of those 12 years fell under his own management and that he did not deny responsibility. However, recalling that during his tenure Fenerbahçe won the championship six times in the last 40 years of the club’s history, he declared: “Fenerbahçe cannot endure another season without a championship.” Responding to criticisms of transfer policy and questions such as “Who will you sign?”, Yıldırım insisted they must be realistic, not dreamers, yet added: “If Ronaldo is needed, he will come; if Messi is needed, he will come; because Fenerbahçe is the greatest.” He stated that he was running to dismantle the plans of those who won championships through stolen points and to fight those who obstructed Fenerbahçe through fraud. He concluded by declaring his mission to restore unity and harmony to the community without conflict, and added that even if Hakan Safi were elected, no discrimination would be tolerated.

^{Hakan Safi (AA)}

The last candidate to take the podium at the General Assembly, Hakan Safi, shared with members the intensive preparation process he had initiated since announcing his candidacy in September, including his international engagements and comprehensive club projects. Safi stated that he had visited various European clubs to study different football models and met with Paolo Maldini, the architect of Milan’s championship revival, to jointly define Fenerbahçe’s goals and its passionate style of play.

• Transfer Activities: Safi officially announced that after weeks of preparatory work, binding agreements had been reached with Luis Suarez, Merih Demiral, and Mason Greenwood. Emphasizing the importance of the wet signature principle, he stated that two board members were currently in London to finalize these agreements and pledged that if elected, these players would be brought to Istanbul immediately.
• Combating Structures and Lobbies: Safi promised that Fenerbahçe’s 12-year championship drought would not be extended further and elaborated extensively on the “structures” issue. He claimed that rivals had found the playing field empty, that championships had been stolen, and that under his management, fair competition would be ensured. Safi highlighted his own role in introducing the foreign VAR system and foreign referees to Turkish football during his previous term and declared: “If it’s a table, I’ll break it; if it’s a structure, I’ll dismantle it,” vowing a firm stance against external obstacles and corrupt lobbies, and affirming that championships won before 1959 would be officially recognized.

^{Hakan Safi (AA)}

• Facilities, Infrastructure, and Real Estate Projects: Safi emphasized that his focus extended beyond player transfers to infrastructure development. He announced that the current stadium would be expanded on its existing site to a capacity of 64,500 after the next championship win. He stated that the Maltepe facilities would be optimized for youth development, that an unprecedented one million square meters of new land would be acquired for the club, and that a Real Estate Investment Trust (Fenerbahçe GYO) would be established to generate additional revenue. He also revealed that the public listing of Fenerium, the club’s subsidiary, was planned.
• Sporting Structure and Amateur Branches: To expand football operations, Safi pledged to acquire five pilot teams across different regions of Turkey, one team from abroad (for adaptation to South American and African football cultures), and to establish a talent academy in West Africa. He clearly stated that there were no plans to reduce budgets or close amateur branches, acknowledged the 15 million euro financial deficit in the volleyball branch, and promised full and uninterrupted support for all necessary measures.
• Management List and Closing: Safi stated that he had prepared his management board list independently, without external interference (“a president without a jacket”). He declared that he would not forgive those managers who claimed “no match-fixing has occurred in Türkiye since 2011” while placing their own interests above the club. Concluding with the words “My youth, my energy, my wealth are offered to Fenerbahçe,” Safi promised that if elected, he would not display arrogance, would not make children in the stands cry, and would deliver championships to the community with a legendary squad adorned with world-class stars.

Following the completion of all speeches and the voting on all agenda items, the first session of the extraordinary elected General Assembly concluded. The Presidium announced that the election and voting process scheduled for the second day would take place in an open area on the former Kenan Evren High School grounds adjacent to the stadium, between 10:00 and 17:00.

The 2026 Fenerbahçe Sports Club Extraordinary General Assembly with Election, announced by club president Sadettin Saran on 28 April 2026, was held on 6–7 June 2026. This extraordinary assembly was convened following the decision to hold elections after the football team’s departure from championship contention during the season and the termination of the contract with head coach Domenico Tedesco. At the assembly, former president Aziz Yıldırım received a majority of valid votes and was re-elected as president of Fenerbahçe Sports Club after an eight-year interval. The assembly was of significant importance due to the changes in club management and the beginning of a new administrative era.

Following Fenerbahçe’s defeat against Galatasaray in the league, which left the team’s championship hopes dependent on miracles, the club was prepared for profound administrative and sporting changes. President Sadettin Saran stated that he had deliberately postponed certain administrative decisions during the season to avoid harming the team’s championship campaign and focus. However, he concluded that further delaying the process would no longer be appropriate at this stage.

In this context, Saran publicly announced that an extraordinary general assembly with election would be held on 6–7 June, honoring his commitment to the community and enabling a fresh start for the club. It was emphasized that this decision to hold elections was made with full responsibility, solely in the interest of the club’s future, and without any personal ambition or resentment.

In a detailed message issued on 28 April 2026, Sadettin Saran reflected on the challenges faced since assuming office and summarized his administration’s actions. He stressed that when he assumed the presidency, he did not seek patience or time from the community, as he was fully aware that the club could not afford to lose any more time. Despite operating within a system where conditions were unequal and opportunities were not equally accessible, he affirmed that his team never made excuses and worked tirelessly to restore the club to its rightful position. Saran highlighted that they deliberately avoided rhetoric that could divide or polarize the community, emphasizing that their sole focus was always Fenerbahçe’s success.

Saran stated that the presidency should never be used as a platform for personal ambition and underscored that the ability to step down at the right moment is a vital virtue. He argued that the true objective is not to remain in office at the cost of harming the club, but to step aside at the appropriate time to enable its growth. He also addressed Fenerbahçe supporters, urging them to avoid internal disputes and personal agendas that drain the club’s energy, reminding them that the only force capable of strengthening the community is unity around Fenerbahçe. Saran added that even after stepping down, he would continue to support the club alongside his colleagues in management.

With the date of the general assembly confirmed, various names began to circulate in unofficial circles as potential candidates for the presidency. According to unofficial reports in the media, Hakan Safi, Barış Göktürk, and Mehmet Ali Aydınlar have emerged as leading contenders, and the election is expected to involve at least three candidates. As the process progresses, candidate lists, board member nominations, and head coach commitments will be disclosed to the public, accelerating the race and creating a highly competitive multi-candidate convention atmosphere.

Alongside the administrative decision to hold elections, the football team’s technical staff also underwent significant changes. Following the defeat against Galatasaray, which effectively ended the team’s championship prospects, head coach Domenico Tedesco was dismissed. According to media reports, the idea of parting ways with the Italian coach had been discussed after the earlier loss to Karagümrük, but no decision was made at that time. The final decision was taken only after the Galatasaray derby. It was also clarified that the players had no role in this decision and that the management acted entirely independently in making this move.

After Tedesco’s departure, President Sadettin Saran visited the Samandıra Can Bartu Facilities and held a meeting with the players. During this meeting, Saran informed the players that the decision to separate from Tedesco was made to clear the way for the incoming management. He instructed the players to win their remaining three matches and emphasized that the team must at least secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

Until the extraordinary general assembly and during the remainder of the season, responsibility for the football team was entrusted to assistant coach Zeki Murat Göle. The team began preparations for its league match against RAMS Başakşehir FK under Göle’s leadership, with training sessions consisting of indoor drills, passing organization, and tactical exercises. It was announced that the appointment of a permanent new head coach would be determined by the new club president and management, to be elected on 6–7 June.