Fenerbahçe S.K. re-elected Aziz Yıldırım as chairman on 7 June 2026, marking a return to the leadership position he previously held for two decades. Born in 1952 in Ergani, Turkey, Yıldırım built a career spanning civil engineering, business, and sports administration, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the Turkish multi-sport landscape through his long-term tenure as the club's 32nd president.
Engineering and Education
Yıldırım holds a degree in civil engineering from Gazi University. His professional background includes work as an engineer, architect, and ship-owner. These technical credentials provided the foundation for his business activities within Turkey, long before he became involved in the administration of the country's multi-sport clubs.
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Between 1998 and 2018, Yıldırım served as the 32nd chairman of Fenerbahçe S.K. His primary tenure concluded on 3 June 2018 when he lost the club election to Ali Koç. After spending time away from the top administrative post, he declared a new candidacy in May 2026. This move resulted in his successful re-election to the chairmanship on 7 June 2026.
Legal Proceedings and Acquittal
In 2012, a Turkish Special Authority Court sentenced Yıldırım to several years in prison for match-fixing and forming an illegal organisation. He spent one year detained in Metris Prison. Following the abolition of the special authority courts in March 2014, his request for a retrial was granted in July of that year. By October 2015, the courts acquitted him and his co-defendants of all charges, leading the club to pursue compensation for damages.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Ergani, Turkey
- Education: Gazi University
- Occupations: Civil engineer, architect, businessperson, ship-owner, association football player
- Fenerbahçe presidency: 1998–2018, 2026–present
- 2012 court sentence: Three years and nine months for match-fixing
- 2015 legal status: Acquitted of all charges
- Children: Three daughters
Questions readers ask
What is the primary professional background of Aziz Yıldırım?
He is a civil engineer who also worked as an architect, businessperson, and ship-owner.
When did he first serve as chairman of Fenerbahçe S.K.?
He served as the 32nd chairman from 1998 until 2018.
What was the outcome of the 2011 corruption investigation?
Although he was initially sentenced in 2012, he was acquitted of all charges in October 2015.
Achievements
- Educated at Gazi University
- Worked as civil engineer, engineer and association football player
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