Ms Spears' father has been given control over her estate

Court commissioner Reva Goetz also said James Spears was entitled to see all her manager's "documents, records and assets relating to Britney Spears".

But Howard Grossman refused to say if he had been fired by Mr Spears.

Ms Spears was admitted to the psychiatric ward of a Los Angeles hospital on 31 January, but left on Wednesday, against her parents' wishes.

Her father was granted control of her estate last week, an arrangement which lasts until Thursday.

Emergency hearing

Ms Goetz made her decision on Friday following an emergency hearing requested by Mr Spears.

BRITNEY'S UNHAPPY 2008 3 January: Carried away on a stretcher after police were called in a custody dispute 5 January: Barred from seeing children 31 January: Taken to psychiatric ward by ambulance 1 February: Father James given control of her estate 5 February: Restraining order placed on Sam Lutfi 6 February: Released early from hospital (above) 8 February: Father can fire business manager, court says

It followed a statement issued by the 26-year-old singer's parents about her early release from the UCLA Medical Center, in which they said her life was at risk.

"We ask only that the court's orders be enforced so that a tragedy may be averted," they said.

Mr Grossman arrived at the Los Angeles courtroom, but he and others were told to leave.

Her mother, Lynne, obtained a restraining order against Sam Lutfi, a frequent companion and sometime manager, on Tuesday after claiming Mr Lutfi had drugged the singer, taken over her finances, and had told her he "controlled" Mr Grossman.

But Mr Grossman said he had no association with Mr Lutfi, and would not say how long he had worked with Ms Spears.

"My reputation speaks for itself," he said.

Public breakdowns

Meanwhile, lawyers who have represented Ms Spears in her child custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline have filed papers in Los Angeles Superior Court asking to leave the case.

Ms Spears' life has been in a tailspin since she filed for divorce from Mr Federline in 2006.

Incidents of bizarre behaviour, erratic driving and public breakdowns have been recorded by the swarm of photographers which follow her, and she has lost custody and visitation rights to her two sons.

She was taken to hospital early last month after police were called to her home following a custody dispute.