England youth international Archie Brown was caught up in a storm after learning Fenerbahce boss Ismail Kartal resigned during post-match duties

Englishman Archie Brown was involved in an awkward mixed zone interview when he found out that Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal resigned. The shock decision from the Turkish tactician came in the wake of their 1-1 draw with AS Roma.

The Champions League only kicked off this week but it hasn't been without incident as the resignation looks set to steal the headlines. Kartal stepped down from his post in a bizarre announcement during his post-match press conference in a brutal end to his fourth spell in charge of the Turkish giants.

Brown, who opened the scoring before Bryan Cristante equalised for the Serie A side, was told by the club's media assistant about the news that the manager resigned.

The 24-year-old was told: "Ismail Kartal resigned. He said did he make any statement to you?" Brown looks back at the Turkish official with a bemused look and said: "Why do you mean he resigned?

"As what? As coach? What do you mean by resigned? He's not the coach anymore I didn't know about this."

Kartal is in his fourth spell as Fenerbahce coach and had only been appointed as the head coach in June, a third spell at the helm since 2022.

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The 65-year-old had spent 10 years at the Istanbul club during his playing career but vowed to never return to the club, he said: “I am resigning from my position while there is still time. I am resigning with the understanding that I will never return.

“I have been here for three months. From the beginning of the season until today, the training sessions and camps I conducted with my players… Our president and managers tried to help us in every way.

“Those were wonderful days. As of this evening, I congratulate my players and I am resigning from my position. Therefore, I would like to thank all my fans, media members, staff, and fellow players who have supported me until today.

“I made this decision to pave the way for my club. We made this decision together as a team.”

However, the drama hasn't ended there with club president Aziz Yildrim refusing to accept the resignation. He told press after the game that the decision surprised those within the club, insisting that he will remain at the club.

Yildrim said: “As long as I am here, Ismail Kartal is the head coach. He cannot leave until I leave.”

Brown has been at Fenerbahce since arriving from Gent in 2025. The Birmingham-born defender made the move to Lausanne-Sport after spending his formative years at West Brom then Derby County.

The 24-year-old was heavily linked witha a move to Chelsea partner club Strasbourg in 2024 before Fenerbahce won the race.