NYON, Switzerland,  July 31, 2012 - The winds of change blowing with increasing frequency through media and PR departments at top level in international football have just blown through European federation UEFA.

Frenchman Alexandre Fourtoy is out as director of communications and Englishman Rob Faulkner has left his role as head of media and corporate PR with immediate effect.

This follows major changes in the media make-up 18 months across in Zurich at world federation FIFA where former war correspondent Walter Degregorio now directs the message. FIFA is currently advertising for further staff as its continues to  expand its corporate PR efforts.

Faulkner was the last of the media ‘old guard’ in the two organisations, having been with UEFA for nearly 12 years.

A formal statement from Nyon, approved by UEFA’s French president Michel Platini, said:

“Following the departure of the Director of Communications and a restructuring of the communications activities within the organisation, UEFA’s Head of Media and Corporate PR, Rob Faulkner, and UEFA have mutually decided to part company.

“Rob leaves UEFA after a distinguished 11-year long career with European football’s governing body. UEFA would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his outstanding service to the organisation, and wishes him every success in his future career.”