FK Partizan is facing a major crisis after the club’s management announced that it will resign, while head coach Sasa Ilic has also decided to step down following another disappointing result in the Serbian SuperLiga. The latest setback came on Sunday, when Partizan suffered a 3:1 defeat away to Mladost in Lucani. The result left the Belgrade club in the relegation zone after six rounds, with three defeats already recorded in its first five league matches. The poor start has created growing pressure around the club, leading to an emergency meeting involving president Rasim Ljajic, general director Danko Lazovic, sporting director Radosav Petrovic and Ilic.
Following the meeting, the club’s management accepted full responsibility for the team’s results. The members of the management board will submit their resignations immediately after Thursday’s Conference League match against Getafe, regardless of the result. Partizan’s Assembly is expected to meet between September 21 and 25, during the first international break of the season, when decisions will be made about the club’s future structure and new leadership. Until then, Partizan says it will continue operating normally in accordance with its statutes.
Ilic has also decided to leave his position but will remain in charge for one more match because of the importance of the upcoming European fixture. He will lead Partizan against Getafe before formally submitting his resignation, regardless of the result. The match therefore carries added significance as the final game for the current coach before another major change at the club. Partizan has also appealed to supporters to remain behind the team and provide strong support throughout the crucial European fixture.
For one of Serbia’s most recognizable football clubs, the situation represents a dramatic turning point. Poor domestic results have triggered changes at the highest levels, while the coaching position will also become vacant after Thursday’s match. The coming weeks could bring a complete restructuring at Partizan, with new leadership and a new coach potentially taking charge during the September international break. For now, however, all attention is on Getafe, as Partizan prepares to play one of its most important matches of the season amid major changes behind the scenes.
