Gianni Paladini has taken control at Loftus Road

Director Gianni Paladini, backed by Monaco-based groups that bought shares in Rangers last year, moved to oust Power at a board meeting on Wednesday.

Power, who was a close ally of the Italian before their relationship turned sour, was voted out and Devlin told he was being fired.

But Power and his supporters are likely to challenge the legality of the move.

Both Power and the Monaco groups were keen to increase their shareholding.

Power's camp were undone by former Brazil captain Carlos Dunga unexpectedly flying in from Japan to vote with Paladini.

Dunga represents one of the Monaco groups but little has been heard of him since he was made a director last summer.

Wednesday's board meeting was the first the World Cup winner has attended.

Power and Paladini joined forces to topple the previous board 14 months ago, but there have been bitter divisions since.

Paladini is now in control at Loftus Road and is likely to take over Devlin's duties.

A new chairman is expected to be named shortly.