Acun Ilıcalı, the owner of English Championship club Hull City, has announced his resignation from his position as vice-president of Turkish Süper Lig giants Fenerbahçe. The decision comes exactly one year after his appointment to the role at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
Ilıcalı stated it was a “great honour” to have worked alongside Fenerbahçe president Ali Koç over the past 12 months. Their tenure saw the ambitious recruitment of high-profile head coach José Mourinho, a move aimed at securing Champions League qualification and ending arch-rivals Galatasaray’s dominance in the Süper Lig.
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Unfortunately for Ilıcalı and the Yellow Canaries, the season did not unfold as hoped. Fenerbahçe failed to reach the Champions League group stages and were knocked out of the Europa League in the penalty shootout against Rangers, missing out on a spot in the quarter-finals. The season concluded with another disappointment as they lost the Turkish Cup final to Galatasaray, who then went on to clinch their third consecutive league title. This result leaves Fenerbahçe facing a fourth successive campaign as league runners-up, extending their wait for a Süper Lig crown which they last won in 2013/14.
“Dear Fenerbahçe Community, I would like to share with you that I have resigned from my position as a member of the Board of Directors of Fenerbahçe Sports Club, which I have served with great pride,” Ilıcalı stated in a heartfelt message. “I was born a Fenerbahçe fan. The yellow-navy jersey has been the purest and most enthusiastic part of my life since my childhood.”
He reflected on his time on the board, acknowledging both challenges and unwavering dedication: “Although I experienced difficulties from time to time during this period, I spent under the roof of the board of directors, every moment was a great honour for me. I received criticism, I received support, I fought. But I never forgot this: Everything here was for Fenerbahçe.”
Ilıcalı extended his gratitude to President Ali Koç, his administrative colleagues, athletes, club employees, and “most importantly, the great Fenerbahçe fans,” concluding his statement with “With love and respect.”
Fenerbahçe subsequently confirmed Ilıcalı’s departure in an official statement. “Our Board Member and Vice President Mr. Acun Ilıcalı has resigned from the Board of Directors,” the club announced. “Mr. Acun Ilıcalı has made very valuable contributions to our Board during his term and his approach, which always prioritises the interests of our club, has been appreciated by our community. We thank him for his dedicated services so far and wish him success and happiness.”
