Galatasaray chairman rebuffs calls to resign

The club’s chairman, Mustafa Cengiz, has been asked to resign by disgruntled board members.

Galatasaray chairman Mustafa Cengiz is an unpopular figure at the club these days after reports of infighting between board members has lead to calls for Cengiz to resign.

The 69-year-old was elected to lead The Lions last year but his tenure has been marred by accusations of “administrative failures”. During a board meeting on Saturday March 23, he failed to receive the backing of the club’s delegates.

Speaking to reporters during a press conference on Sunday at the club’s stadium, Cengiz said he is still in charge.

Board members have questioned the club’s direction under Cengiz’s leadership and are reported to be seeking to remove him from the position.

Galatasaray are now preparing to hold a meeting in order to schedule and organize an election as they prepare for a future without Cengiz.

Cengiz said their decision was unfair and that he is “prepared to fight.”

Despite being second in the Super Lig, Galatasaray have been struggling for consistency throughout the season. Questionable transfer decisions such as the call to sell last season’s top scorer Bafetimbi Gomis before the start of the 2018-2019 season without a replacement have caused outrage among the club’s faithful.

In addition, the hefty €10 million splurge on forward Mbaye Diagne on the final day of the January transfer window has been scrutinized by fans and pundits alike after the club failed to secure the signature of more well-known, big name strikers.