There were problems even before the deal was announced at the end of May, with Al Fayed refusing Baresi’s demands for a three-year deal and offering only a six-month probation.

He accepted, but in early June, boss Tigana complained as Baresi’s role contradicted his own contract, which states he has overall responsibility for all football matters at the club.

So Baresi’s position was scrapped and he had since been working without a job title while living in one of Al Fayed’s luxury central London penthouses.

"I have decided that it would be in my own professional interests, and also a sensible outcome for Fulham FC, to terminate our brief relationship," said Baresi today in a statement on the club’s official website, www.fulham-fc.co.uk.

"While all parties have worked constructively to develop our respective roles, I am disappointed that the nature of my position with Fulham was not as I had envisaged it when I was first approached.

"It makes sense to recognise this sooner rather than later, and particularly before I make commitments which involve not only myself but also my family."