Leeds Carnegie have stunned the women's football world by turning their back on the chance to join the Football Association's new Super League.
With seven players in the current England squad, Leeds were seen as one of the leading contenders for one of the eight places in the league.
But they have withdrawn their bid, a move that has left players distraught and that could possibly lead to the eventual folding of the club.
Leeds Metropolitan University, who took over the running of the club following its split from Leeds United two years ago, have cited financial reasons.
"The University cannot commit to the substantial increase in budgets proposed under plans for Super League," read its statement.
Original estimates of annual running costs for Super League clubs were around £140,000, with the FA supplying up to half the funding.
We have another 15 clubs interested and the process goes on
FA spokesman Johann Alexander
But clubs have since been told that player salaries will be an additional costing and it is now though that annual budgets could run nearer to £250,000.
Leeds' decision has come as a blow to the FA though they are not short of bids for founder membership of the new league, which is set to start next year.
FA spokesman Johann Alexander said: "It's disappointing that Leeds have withdrawn their bid, but we have another 15 clubs interested and the process goes on."
While the bidding process goes on, Leeds Carnegie may not survive as a club beyond the current Premier League campaign.
Leeds Met spokesperson Helen Goodwin said: "A decision will be made in due course about the support of the club."
The players will meanwhile stay loyal, hopes manager Rick Passmoor, though it's likely that in the summer several will leave for clubs that join the Super League.
The withdrawal of the Super League bid has hit player morale at a crucial time, with Leeds set to meet Everton in the Premier League Cup final on 11 February.
But Passmoor said: "I've told the girls I want them to stick together for the rest of the season, win the League Cup and go out with a bang."
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