05.05.2026 17:32
Mehmet Ali Aydınlar, who announced that he would not be a presidential candidate for Fenerbahçe, stated that he gave up being a candidate in the elective general assembly due to the atmosphere of debate that emerged after deciding to run for the presidency and what was said about him.
Former Fenerbahçe executive Mehmet Ali Aydınlar announced that he will not be a candidate for president in the club's extraordinary general assembly with elections.
''I WILL NOT BE A CANDIDATE IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY''
In a written statement to an AA reporter, Aydınlar said, "In order to prevent Fenerbahçe's future from being overshadowed by discussions arising over my person, I will not be a candidate in the upcoming extraordinary general assembly with elections."
REASON FOR WITHDRAWING CANDIDACY
In a lengthy statement, Mehmet Ali Aydınlar stated that he had considered running for the presidency but then decided against it. Aydınlar explained in his statement that after deciding to run for the presidency, he withdrew from being a candidate in the election assembly due to the resulting atmosphere of debate and remarks made about him.
Here is the full text of Mehmet Ali Aydınlar's statement:
"In this period our club is going through, I set out on this path to make a difference for Fenerbahçe's future and to implement a management approach befitting this community. Today I see that from the first moment my name was mentioned regarding the candidacy, the events, remarks, and the resulting debate atmosphere do not align with the principles and values I have defended throughout my life. The dream of Fenerbahçe being a global brand is not a recent goal for me; it is a lasting ideal I have believed in for years and tried to support in every period. My loyalty to my club is not tied to a title, a position, or a status.
However, at this point, I see that an environment has formed where debates revolving around my name are far from contributing to Fenerbahçe's sense of unity. On a ground where everyone sees themselves as more of a Fenerbahçe supporter than the next, and everyone defines a path based on their own truth, it is clear how difficult it is to build a common future. Everything I have done for our club until today and every responsibility I have carried aligns with my conscience and my love for Fenerbahçe. I can account for this on any ground to anyone.
Therefore, in order to prevent Fenerbahçe's future from being overshadowed by discussions arising over my person, I will not be a candidate in the upcoming extraordinary general assembly with elections. I sincerely thank all our members and every individual of our community for the goodwill and support shown during this process. My commitment to our Fenerbahçe has never depended on individuals or circumstances. Nor will it from now on. As a Fenerbahçe supporter who is proud of yesterday, feels responsible for today, and believes in tomorrow, I will continue to do whatever is necessary, whenever it is needed, and always stand by my club. Because Fenerbahçe is a club of values, not of individuals."