ISTANBUL: Serdal Adali has been elected as the new president of Istanbul's renowned Besiktas sports club, securing a record number of votes at the club's extraordinary general assembly. This leadership change comes in the wake of Hasan Arat's recent resignation due to unsatisfactory team performance.

According to Anadolu Agency, Serdal Adali received a historic 8,901 votes, decisively surpassing his opponent Huseyin Yucel, who garnered 3,637 votes. The election marks a significant shift in the club's leadership dynamics, as Adali takes over at a time when the Black Eagles, Besiktas's football team, are grappling with challenges both in domestic and international competitions.

Hasan Arat, who stepped down from his position last month, had been elected as president just a year ago in December 2023. His tenure was marked by a series of disappointing results that eventually led to his resignation. Besiktas currently stands sixth in the Turkish Super Lig with 26 points and is positioned 28th in the Europa League with six points, reflecting the team's struggles this season.

As Adali assumes his new role, the club's members and supporters are hopeful for a revival in the team's fortunes. The focus now shifts to how the new leadership will address the challenges facing Besiktas and work towards restoring its standing in both national and international arenas.