MANILA (AFP) - German Michael Weiss has been sacked as coach of the Philippines, the country's football federation said, ending a three-year stint in which he guided them to their highest-ever world ranking.

"The Philippine Football Federation discontinued the services of Michael Weiss as head coach of the men's national team effective Jan 15," the body said in a short statement dated Monday.

"PFF made a year-end evaluation with team management and determined that a re-organisation of the coaching staff is best for the team.

"PFF officials thanked coach Weiss for his contributions to the national team."

The coaching staff "will be reformed" in time for the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in May, the statement added without giving any more details.

Weiss took over the "Azkals", local slang for "feral dogs", in January 2011, enjoying 21 wins, 12 draws and 13 losses.

He took the former whipping boys of Asian football to third place in the AFC Challenge Cup in 2012, and to an all-time high of 127th in the Fifa rankings this month, from 152nd three years ago.

Spokesmen for the federation did not return calls made by AFP on Tuesday. Local press reports said Weiss is currently abroad.