GENEVA -- In an abrupt shakeup, world soccer's governing body FIFA dismissed the high-profile directors of its press and competitions departments.


The move Tuesday was the latest in a series of power struggles which have wracked FIFA and opened it up to charges of running the world's biggest sport in an undemocratic manner.


"Following a reorganization of the FIFA general secretariat ordered by the president, Dr. Joao Havelange, and in consultation with the FIFA general secretary, the director of the press department, Guido Tognoni, and the director of the competitions department, Miguel Galan, have now been relieved of their duties with thanks for services rendered," said a curt statement issued by FIFA's Zurich headquarters.


FIFA general secretary Sepp Blatter said the dismissals were an internal problem.


The two refused to accept the appointment before Christmas of Michel Zen-Ruffinen, a Swiss in charge of management services, as his number two, Blatter said.


Tognoni, 44, a Swiss, was the public face of FIFA for 11 years. Galan, 48, a Chilean, had worked for the body for 20 years. He was in charge of organizing all competitions.


During FIFA's meeting in New York in October, Havelange, who often has been accused of being dictatorial, removed some Europeans who were committee members because he viewed them as enemies.