Dave Keane's future as Limerick hurling manager has been thrown into doubt following warnings by five players that they will not play under his tenure.
Keane, whose contract is under review by the Limerick board, was thought to be in line for a one-year extension but these latest developments appear to have stalled negotiations.
With the board now apparently split on whether to keep Keane, the decision to retain the manager may now be left to the clubs in the county.
Keane's outstanding record at under-21 level won him the right to assume the top job, but his position has been in the spotlight following poor league form and a number of high-profile disputes with players.