Executive members of The Oxford Times Cherwell League have taken the unprecedented action of suspending themselves.

The move, decided at an emergency meeting, is the latest instalment in the deepening crisis triggered by the shock resignation of secretary Peter Tomlin following criticism by some clubs.

Now chairman Derek Primett is to write to all clubs asking them to respond to a number of proposals drawn up by the executive.

He declined to divulge the content of the proposals as the letters had not yet been received by the clubs.

Primett said: "When all the clubs have responded the matter will be concluded. In the meantime, the executive have suspended all activities with the league except for essential administration.

"The league is still functioning, but in a very limited capacity."

He added that Tomlin's resignation remained on the table although he had not yet accepted it.

"Peter Tomlin has agreed to receive and record all correspondence on a temporary basis until this process has been carried out," said Primett.

The league have come under fire for the severe penalties they have dished out to Wallingford and Oxford & Bletchingdon Nondescripts for breaking registration rules.

But it appears that the final straw has been attempts by clubs to rewrite the new constitution, something they passed at an extraordinary general meeting as recently as April.