On Friday Aziz Yildirim will complete a decade as Fenerbahce SK President.  So what has happened during “Aziz Baskan’s” 10 year tenure at the helm?

Aziz Yildirim became Fenerbahce leader on 15 February 1998 after winning the presidential election by a single vote over fellow candidate, Vefa Kucuk.  3,094 club officials took part in the ballot with 1,469 of them voting for the appointment of Mr. Yildirim.

The Fenerbahce president has since gone on to win the subsequent 4 elections and also receive a ‘vote of confidence’ on 3 separate occasions. 

Such is his popularity that when he twice resigned from his post important figures associated with the club intervened and persuaded him to reconsider.  Aziz Yildirim first attempted to vacate his post in 2001 citing health reasons and most recently at the end of last season after believing he had fulfilled his duties.

Aziz Baskan’s ten year term makes him the third longest serving club president in history.  Sukru Saracoglu (whom the Fenerbahce stadium is named after) was the longest acting president with 16.5 years of service and Faruk Ilgaz (whom the newest facilities are named after) is second with 12 years.

Aziz Yildirim’s achievements at the club extend beyond sportive success.  He helped rebuild the entire Sukru Saracoglu stadium, more than doubling the capacity to 52,250 seats in the process.

The Fenerbahce chief also oversaw the completion of Samandira Training Facilities, the renovation of Dereagzi Training Facilities and the introduction of Faruk Ilgaz Facilities in 2006.

The club has never enjoyed such economic stability either.  The successful launch of official merchandise brand Fenerium continues to grow and has passed 50 retail outlets. 

15% of club shares were floated on the stock market under the trading name of Fenerbahce Sportive PLC in 2004 and are now worth over $1bn USD, five times the original value.

There has also been steady sponsorship income helping develop other sport branches.  The most significant of them being the partnership with Ulker for the mens basketball team. 

The fans have enjoyed some sportive success too, most notably:

Football –

2001-02, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2006-07 Turkish League Championship

Qualification into the knock out stages of the Champions League for the first time in club history

Basketball –

Fenerbahce Ulker (Men’s team) championship 2006-07,

Fenerbahce Women’s Team - 2001-02, 2003-04, 2005-06, 2006-07 (League) 1998-99 1999-00, 2000-01, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07 (Turkish Cup) 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2006-07 (President Cup)

In his 10 year tenure President Aziz Yildirim has given a lot to the club and it's supporters, but perhaps his most significant gift is the changing of our vision.  Long may he reign...