The Istanbul club have disappointed this season and lie fifth in the Super Lig standings - eight points behind leaders Sivasspor.

A 5-2 defeat at home by lowly Kocaelispor yesterday proved the final straw for the club's board of directors.

Galatasaray will face Bordeaux on Thursday in the second leg of their UEFA Cup last-32 clash. The teams played out a goalless draw in the opening match in France last week.