Johannesburg  - The 2010 World Cup organization fell victim Monday to former South African president Thabo Mbeki's ouster by his party with the announcement that Mbeki-loyal members of the board of the World Cup local organizing committee (LOC) have been axed.

Former local government minister Sydney Mufamadi, former deputy finance minister Jabu Moleketi and former minister in the presidency, Essop Pahad, have been replaced as government's representatives on the board, the government of new President Kgalema Motlanthe announced in a statement.

The three were among the 10 ministers and deputy ministers who quit their cabinet posts last month in sympathy with Mbeki, who stepped down as president at the demand of the ruling African National Congress.

Mbeki was asked by the ANC to step down over a court's inference that he interfered in the prosecution for corruption of his erstwhile rival, ANC leader and presidential candidate Jacob Zuma.

Motlanthe has appointed four new LOC board members from government to replace the departing three, Monday's statement said.

"The government thanks the former members for their contribution to the preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup."

"We remain confident that South Africa will meet all the requirements set by FIFA," the statement added.

The move, which coming as little surprise, robs the LOC of critical experience with a little over 600 days to go to the opening game in the World Cup in June 2010.

The LOC has already lost several senior officials in recent months, including Dennis Mumble, the LOC's former chief organizer of competitions and Tumi Makgabo, former communications officer. (dpa)