The ISL has already been hit by the withdrawals of Manchester Storm and Scottish Eagles.

Now Bracknell owner, John Nike OBE, has announced his team will compete in the Findus British National League in the 2003/04 campaign.

This will leave only four teams in the ISL - Belfast Giants, Sheffield Steelers, Nottingham Panthers and London Knights.

But there are hopes that Manchester Storm and the Scottish Eagles will rejoin next season.

Initial talks have already taken place between the ISL and BNL to discuss the future of the sport in Britain.

ISL Administration Officer Brian Storey has now called for a decision on the league structure for next season to be made by the middle of December.

He warned: "If we don't then we are on borrowed time. Before we know it will be January and the season will be over in three months. People need that assurance."