Aziz Yildirim's Return to Fenerbahce Leadership

Aziz Yildirim has been re-elected as president of Istanbul's Fenerbahce club, marking his comeback eight years after leaving the position. The election, held following a tumultuous period for the club, saw Yildirim defeat rival Hakan Safi. This comes amid efforts to end a 13-year league title drought.

Aziz Yildirim has made a significant comeback to the helm of Fenerbahce as its president, the club announced on its website. This marks his return eight years after stepping down from the role. Yildirim, 73, was elected over rival businessman Hakan Safi during an extraordinary general assembly vote carried out in Istanbul's Kadikoy district.

The election was a result of turbulent recent events for Fenerbahce. Outgoing chairman Sadettin Saran's decision to resign led to the scheduling of an extraordinary congress on June 6-7. The backdrop of the election included Saran's two-and-a-half-year prison sentence imposed by a Turkish court for inciting illegal betting on June 4.

Yildirim's campaign for the leadership faced off against Safi as Fenerbahce aims to end its 13-year drought of domestic league titles. This victory is seen as a major turning point and a fresh start for the club.