Trabzonspor manager Fatih Tekke submitted his resignation following a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Ferencvaros in the UEFA Europa League playoff round. The club's board, however, rejected his resignation, viewing it as a decision made in the heat of the moment.
According to a report by Turkiyetoday.com, Tekke tendered his resignation on Thursday, August 28, 2025. The match saw Trabzonspor reduced to ten men in the 13th minute after a straight red card to Ruslan Malinovskyi for violent conduct. Ferencvaros took the lead in the 19th minute through a Callum O'Dowda header. Marius Corbu made it 2-0 with a right-footed shot in the 55th minute. Two minutes later, Sidny Cabral received a second yellow card, conceding a penalty which Yusuf converted for 3-0. Krisztian Lisztes completed the 4-0 rout with a left-footed strike in the 86th minute. The aggregate 5-0 loss eliminated Trabzonspor from the Europa League, sending Ferencvaros to the league phase.
Why did Tekke resign and what happens now?
Fatih Tekke, a club icon, sought to end his 18-month tenure. "We had a very sad night. Of course, the reason is my team and me." he said. He added, "As of now, I am resigning from my 18-month tenure. I feel I have the right to impose this punishment on myself." The board stated the decision was made in the emotional aftermath of the defeat and refused to accept it. Consequently, Fatih Tekke remains in charge and will lead the team in a Turkish Super Lig match against Amedspor on August 31, 2025.
What did Tekke achieve during his time at Trabzonspor?
Appointed in March 2025, former captain Fatih Tekke helped the club recover from a difficult start to the 2024-25 season, finishing seventh. The following season, he guided Trabzonspor to a third-place finish in the Super Lig, amassing 69 points. That same season, he led the club to its 10th Turkish Cup title, ending a five-season wait for the trophy. In the summer of 2025, the club made blockbuster signings, including Mohamed Salah on a two-year contract worth at least €35.7 million. Salah started the Ferencvaros match but was substituted in the 64th minute as Trabzonspor, down to nine men, looked to shore up their defense.
What is Trabzonspor's current situation?
Trabzonspor's European campaign continues in the UEFA Conference League league phase. The club's current league standing sees them 4th in the Süper Lig with 4 points from 2 games, having scored 3 goals and conceded 2. They trail leaders Gençlerbirliği S.K. by 3 points. Their last result was a 1-1 draw with Kasımpaşa on August 15, 2026. Their recent form over the last five matches reads one win, two draws, and two losses. The next league fixture is an away match against 3rd-placed Samsunspor on October 11, 2026. Fans can check the latest team standings on our dedicated page.
What does this mean for the club's future?
Tekke's continued tenure signals a desire for stability within the club. The board's decision to reject his resignation is a vote of confidence in the technical team and players. Their 4th place in the league and positive goal difference offer a promising start to the season, though the form of just one win in the last five matches needs improvement. The focus now shifts to consolidating their league position and making an impact in the UEFA Conference League. The upcoming fixtures schedule appears demanding. Squad depth and the current injury status will be key factors in navigating this period successfully.
