Hull City owner Acun Ilicali has opted to resign from his post as vice-president at Fenerbahce, a year on from his appointment at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
Ilicali says it was a great honour to work alongside president Ali Koc for the past 12 months, which saw the pair bring in Jose Mourinho as head coach in a bid to qualify for the Champions League and break Galatasaray’s dominance in the Super Lig.
Unfortunately for Ilicali and the Turkish giants, Mourinho was unable to guide Fenerbahce back into the group stages of the Champions League. They were knocked out of the Europa League on penalties by Rangers, missing out on a place in the quarter-finals.
Fenerbahce also lost the Turkish Cup final to their bitter rivals, who went on to secure a third straight league title, leaving the Yellow Canaries to face up to a fourth successive campaign as runners-up. Fener haven’t won the Super Lig crown since 2013/14.
“Dear Fenerbahce 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,” City‘s owner said.
“I was born a Fenerbahçe fan. The yellow-navy jersey has been the purest and most enthusiastic part of my life since my childhood. 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. I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to our esteemed President Ali Koç, my valuable administrative colleagues with whom I worked together, our valuable athletes, club employees and most importantly, the great Fenerbahçe fans. With love and respect, Acun Ilicali.”
The Istanbul giants, meanwhile, confirmed Ilicali’s departure in a statement: “Our Board Member and Vice President Mr. Acun Ilıcalı has resigned from the Board of Directors,” it read. “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.”
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