Fenerbahce Dismisses Coach Mourinho After Champions League Exit

Fenerbahce has announced the dismissal of José Mourinho as head coach following the team's failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage, losing in the playoff round to Benfica. Mourinho, who joined the Turkish club in June 2024, leaves with one season remaining on his contract and reportedly received a compensation package close to 15 million euros. Despite his prestigious career managing top European clubs, Mourinho's influence has waned, with this being his first Champions League absence since March 2020. His tenure at Fenerbahce was marked by mixed results domestically and in Europe, as well as disciplinary issues including suspensions and fines following altercations during matches. The club's shares rose after the sacking, signaling investor approval of the decision. Fenerbahce continues its ongoing struggle to return to the Champions League, having missed out for 17 consecutive seasons.