Aziz Yildirim was elected president of Istanbul's Fenerbahce on June 7, returning to the role eight years after stepping down in 2018 [1, 2, 3]. He previously led the club for two decades, from 1998 to 2018 [1, 2, 3].
Yildirim won the extraordinary general assembly vote held Sunday in Istanbul's Kadikoy district. He secured 17,245 votes, while rival businessman Hakan Safi received 9,927 votes [3]. The election followed a turbulent period triggered after outgoing chairman Sadettin Saran announced his resignation [1, 2].
On June 4, Saran was sentenced to two and a half years in prison by a Turkish court for inciting illegal betting [1, 2]. The court ruling intensified calls for new leadership at the club.
Ahead of the vote, Yildirim announced his candidacy promising to end Fenerbahce's 13-year domestic league title drought [1, 2]. Speaking to supporters after the win, he emphasized unity, saying, "The winner is Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce needs unity and solidarity. We will not allow divisions to damage this great club" [3].
Yildirim, 73, outlined plans to strengthen the squad within 15 days and expressed confidence the club can contend for the league title [3]. He also pledged to improve Fenerbahce's financial position and expand the stadium to support future growth [3].
The next immediate task for Yildirim will be assembling a competitive team and setting the club's direction as preparations continue toward the new season.
