QPR have sacked their Portuguese manager Paulo Sousa.

Rangers chairman and co-owner Flavio Briatore has acted with the club lying 10th in the Coca-Cola Championship, with little chance of reaching the play-offs this season.

But a club statement insisted Sousa's departure is related to him "divulging highly confidential information".

The statement read: "Queens Park Rangers Football Club has had to terminate Paulo Sousa's employment with the club with immediate effect.

"It came to the club's attention that Mr Sousa had, without authority, divulged highly confidential and sensitive information.

"The club, with legal advice, responded in this way to protect its position."

The former Portugal midfielder, 38, took over at Loftus Road in November after Iain Dowie was axed but won just seven of his 26 games at the helm.

The writing appeared to be on the wall after Sousa revealed at the weekend that top-scorer Dexter Blackstock had been loaned to Championship rivals Nottingham Forest without his knowledge.

His predecessor Dowie lasted just 15 games before he was dismissed after clashing with Briatore over team selection.

Briatore is now looking for his seventh manager since taking over the club a year-and-a-half ago.

John Gregory, Luigi De Canio and caretakers Mick Harford and Gareth Ainsworth have also been dispensed with by the Formula One chief.

Ainsworth, who has remained on the coaching staff, will be back in charge for the rest of the season, starting with Saturday's trip to Burnley, while Paul Ince and Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson have been linked with the role.