Fenerbahce Sack Jose Mourinho Following UEFA Champions League Qualification Failure
Fenerbahce have dismissed Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho just two days after the club’s elimination from the Champions League playoffs at the hands of Benfica.
In a statement on Friday, the Turkish giants confirmed: “We have parted ways with Jose Mourinho, who served as head coach of our professional A team since the 2024-2025 season. We thank him for his efforts for our team and wish him success in his future career.”
Mourinho, 62, joined the Istanbul club in June 2024 on a two-year contract, tasked with ending their long-running league title drought. However, he could only guide the Yellow Canaries to second place last season behind rivals Galatasaray.
His time in Turkey was also marred by controversies. In April, following a Turkish Cup defeat to Galatasaray, Mourinho clashed with their coach Okan Buruk, grabbing his face and tweaking his nose. He later received a fine for remarks about refereeing after another fiery derby, with his comments deemed “contrary to sporting ethics.”
The Portuguese manager’s final game in charge came in Lisbon, where Fenerbahce suffered a 1-0 defeat to Benfica at the Estadio da Luz, ending their Champions League hopes.
Reports from Turkish outlet Spor Arena suggest Mourinho’s relationship with the club’s board had been strained, particularly over summer transfer dealings, with the former Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Roma boss openly criticising Fenerbahce’s strategy.
In his only full season at the helm, Mourinho failed to secure silverware. Fenerbahce finished runners-up to Galatasaray in the Super Lig, exited the Turkish Cup at the quarter-final stage, and fell short in the Europa League round of 16.
