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.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.