The board announced late on Sunday that it had taken the decision to remove Villeneuve - who only took up the position in May last year - following a letter sent to them by the former television journalist.

In the letter, which was widely quoted in the French media, Villeneuve demanded more control over the club's finances, angering the directors.

"Personally, I was extremely shocked by the initiative," said Simon Tahar, a board member and former club president. "I've never seen anything like it, especially as everything else seemed to be going well."

Le Guen: 'Not my domain'

Team boss Paul Le Guen insisted his sole focus was on matters on the pitch, despite it being an open secret that there was no love lost between himself and Villeneuve.

"Although I keep myself informed, everything that is going on is not in my domain," said the former Lyon coach who saw his team record a sixth win in nine games at the Parc des Princes thanks to goals from Guillaume Hoarau and Peguy Luyindula.

"I'm focussed on the pitch and on protecting my players. That's the message I gave them, and I'm satisfied with their response."

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