All change at Partizan

The overhaul has swept two government officials to the top of the club's hierarchy with Nenad Popovic appointed president and Rasim Ljajic installed as head of the board of supervisors.

The restructured managing board includes recalled former player Radomir Antic, who guided Atletico Madrid to a league and cup double during a coaching career in Spain that also included spells with Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Popovic said he was proud to take over as president. "This is a great honour but also a great responsibility because the club is going through some of the most difficult moments in its illustrious history," he said.

"We have problems with the results and the fans, which has also triggered a dwindling popularity in general. My mission is to overcome the difficulties and bring back stability but all I can promise is hard work."

Popovic replaces long-serving president Ivan Curkovic, who stepped down in March.

Partizan have endured 18 difficult months after becoming the first and only Serbian club to qualify for the Champions League in 2003 and winning their domestic title in 2005.

A string of poor results in Europe and surrendering domestic supremacy to city rivals Red Star prompted vast sections of the club's die-hard fans to boycott matches and demand all the leading officials step down.

General secretary Zarko Zecevic and director of operations Nenad Bjekovic, who have held on to their posts, hinted they were ready to part company with coach Miodrag Jesic after a disappointing first half of the season.

Partizan have short-listed several candidates to take over from Jesic next month after the club were knocked out of the UEFA Cup and went into the winter break trailing Red Star by 14 points.