The GAA has closed the door on any contact with the Gaelic Players' Association. Speaking at a press briefing in Croke Park GAA president Joe McDonagh said: "We take serious issue with any group which would negotiate a sponsorship (deal) at national level outside of our organisation on behalf of our members as long as they remain members of our organisation."

This represents a major setback for the GPA, which was established last summer. The group had been expected to announce a sponsorship deal of its own within the last week or so.

Yesterday's statement was unequivocal on that issue. "No player or team will be allowed to enter any personal or group endorsement or sponsorship arrangement with any manufacturer of playing equipment and all endorsements and sponsorships by equipment manufacturers must be negotiated at national level."

GAA director general Liam Mulvihill confirmed that a request from the GPA to meet Croke Park officials had been turned down.

It is hard to know what avenue the GPA will now explore. Donal O'Neill, the association's administrator was not available for comment last night. The options would appear to be stark: accept the GAA's stance and effectively disband, pursue a legal challenge or mount some equivalent of industrial action.

The briefing was to announce the implementation of recommendations by the Players' Advisory Group (PAG), the official body appointed by McDonagh at the start of his presidency three years ago, and the Amateur Status Committee which reported as long ago as November 1997.

"My responsibility is to the grouping I appointed," said McDonagh about the relative standing of the GPA and the PAG, "not to an unofficial grouping. My loyalties have to lie with those appointed officially. The message goes out loud and clear: if anyone wants to set up unofficial bodies, they are not entitled to act on behalf of our members."

McDonagh was keen to emphasise the positive aspects of the PAG's work. "I have given a lot of thought to players' issues and we are working to a chapter of Congress. We have to work to some decision-making process. I would like this to be recognised and I would ask players to give this structure a chance."

Contained within these proposals are the central provision of an agent to handle endorsement deals for players and the prohibition of players appointing personal agents. These endorsements may not be in conflict with any current sponsorship arrangement at national, county or club level.

Other provisions are for the allocation of complimentary tickets to players on county panels involved in major matches. Non participant players will have an option on purchasing tickets.

The proposal of the Amateur Status Committee regarding endorsement was re-stated. Any player who receives such a commission shall divide his fee as follows: 50 per cent for himself, 30 per cent for his county's players' finance panel, 10 per cent for the county board and 10 per cent for a hardship fund. Players endorsing products in their own line of employment shall be allowed, as previously, to keep all the proceeds.

PAG chairman Noel Lane described the proposals as "practical and implementable". They have been already accepted by Central Council.

McDonagh was also critical of the inactivity by county boards in implementing some of the provisions of the Amateur Status Committee. "Some units have failed dismally to take up the option of endorsement."

A new players' committee will oversee the implementation of the recommendations and must report to the GAA's Management Committee by November 30th. The provisions will come into operation after next month's congress.

Incoming president Sean McCague will appoint the chairman of this players' committee as well as eight players, a footballer and hurler from each province. The provincial chairmen will nominate a club hurler and footballer from each province and this 17-strong body will nominate a representative to attend Central Council meetings on their behalf.

PAG members: Noel Lane (chairman), Trevor Giles, Terence McNaughton, DJ Carey, Michael Cunniffe, Tony Scullion, George Frend, Pat Holmes, Tomas Mulcahy, Niall Cahalane, Mary Boland (secretary).