Turmoil at Besiktas: President Hasan Arat resigns, interim leader appointed

Hasan Arat stepped down as president of Besiktas Gymnastics Club on Nov. 27, 2024, less than a year after his election in December 2023.

The Besiktas Board of Directors appointed Vice President Huseyin Yucel as interim president until the next general assembly, scheduled for May 2025.

Besiktas board announces leadership changes after turbulent period

The Besiktas Board of Directors held an extraordinary meeting at Tupras Stadium on Nov. 27 to address growing internal conflicts and management challenges. Following the meeting, the club issued a statement confirming Arat’s resignation.

“Our Board of Directors convened on November 27, 2024, and resolved to accept the resignation of Board Chairman Mr. Hasan Arat. Mr. Huseyin Yucel has been appointed as Board Chairman to serve in this role temporarily, subject to approval at the next general assembly,” the club announced.

Yucel has also been tasked with overseeing the professional football team alongside Vice Presidents Mete Vardar and Onur Gocmez, as well as board member Feyyaz Ucar.

Hasan Arat resigns amid internal conflicts and growing dissatisfaction

Hasan Arat‘s departure follows a period of unrest within the club, marked by disputes among board members and dissatisfaction with recent decisions.

The dismissal of football team general coordinator Samet Aybaba and board consultant Brad Friedel created significant tension, as some board members were reportedly excluded from discussions about these changes.

Aybaba revealed that he learned of his dismissal through a WhatsApp message. He also disclosed a lack of communication with Arat over the past four months, saying he resorted to written memos to convey his concerns. Aybaba plans to hold a press conference on Saturday to share further details about his departure.

The club faced further scrutiny following its 4–2 loss to Goztepe in the Super Lig, which intensified criticism of Arat’s leadership. Several board members reportedly considered resigning in response to the handling of recent decisions. Vice President Onur Gocmez initially submitted his resignation but later withdrew it after discussions with the board.

Besiktas Vice President Huseyin Yucel takes charge during uncertain period for Besiktas

After Arat’s resignation, Huseyin Yucel was named interim president. The Besiktas Board of Directors expressed confidence in his ability to guide the club during this transitional period.

Yucel will manage the professional football team with support from Vice Presidents Mete Vardar and Onur Gocmez, as well as board member Feyyaz Ucar. This collaborative approach aims to maintain stability until elections in May 2025.

Ex-Besiktas president Hasan Arat’s career, challenges

Born in Adana in 1959, Hasan Arat has had a long connection with Besiktas. He played professional basketball for the club between 1977 and 1982 and served as second chairman during Suleyman Seba’s presidency in the late 1990s. Arat also played a key role in Istanbul’s bid for the 2020 Olympics.

In December 2023, Arat won the Besiktas presidency with 7,271 votes, defeating Serdal Adali. His presidency faced challenges, including financial pressures, internal disagreements, and inconsistent team performance. Despite his efforts to implement reforms, these obstacles ultimately overshadowed his tenure.

The general assembly planned for May 2025 will elect the next president of Besiktas. Members will have an opportunity to choose a leader who can address the club’s ongoing issues and guide it toward long-term success.