The Down football team have denied reports they will oppose GPA strike action in the New Year.
Reports this week suggested the panel had voted not to strike and would field players in provincial competition in January.
Such a move would have been a blow to the Gaelic Players Association who are hoping for the full support of inter-county panels as it continues efforts to secure player grants.
But in a statement released this evening, the Down football squad pledged its full support to the GPA.
"The Down football squad supports the majority decision of the GPA strike ballot and while, like other players, we hope this action can be averted, we will be supporting the GPA stand," the statement read.
The GPA has said strike action is necessary due to "the ongoing failure of the GAA and the Government to implement sports grants for intercounty players".
The Government has said it would set aside money - thought to be in the region of €5 million - for the scheme.
But the GAA and GPA are both unhappy with the Government's proposed method of distributing funds.
Sources close to the negotiations remain confident a resolution will be found so strike action can be averted.