Embattled Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has been sacked, just months after leading the club to its first English Premier League title.
Earlier, the Daily Mail reported that Ranieri was fired after this week's 2-1 Champions League loss to Spanish club Seville, the latest setback in a season that has seen the ultimate sporting Cinderella story turn to ashes.
Soon afterwards, the club confirmed the move on its official Twitter site.
Since capturing the crown last May, Leicester plummet to a five-win/six-draw/14-loss record this season, one point off the relegation zone.
Ranieri, appointed manager in July 2015, led the Foxes to the greatest triumph in the club's 133-year history last seasonand his status as the most successful Leicester City manager of all time was without question, said the club's statement.