Blackburn Rovers quit the women's championship next season because club owners are reluctant to meet the league's requirements for facilities, player benefits and staffing.

In an email from the BBC Sport, in an email sent to the players by the club’s human resources department, they said Blackburn was “having a discussion with the Football Association (FA) about the divisions we will be attending.”

Players and employees are still unsure of their future, whether they will remain semi-professional or will renew their contracts.

The deadline to decide whether the club wants to meet the licensing requirements and retain its two-story identity is Monday, May 19.

The email went on to say, “Your role may be affected by the minimum standards required at levels below the Women’s Championship.

“We understand that this can be disappointing and our goal is to communicate which layer we will run once we get this confirmation.”

The FA Board of Directors and WSL Football – the company responsible for the first two floors of British women’s football – is expected to meet later on Tuesday to discuss the next step.

Blackburn's withdrawal could mean a resumption of relegated Sheffield United, sources said they had had a preliminary conversation about the possibility of returning to the women's championship.

Apparently, Blackburn was in a dangerous position last week, when players said team partners told them via WhatsApp that “the master has a 99% chance of not supporting the team financially next season”.

22-year-old defender Niamh Murphy said: “I have been with the Blackburn Rangers for three seasons and the only consistency is the lack of financial support from the club.

“Although this season may not seem successful to some, we avoided relegation despite the smallest budget.

“It’s a huge success and an honor for both female players and staff.”

Players and staff are waiting for the club's exchange this weekend, but the meeting was cancelled Monday night and then postponed Tuesday.

The coaching staff eventually joined the board and HR call at 15:30 Tuesday, after which manager Simon Parker informed the players about the news.

Sources said there was a huge "frustration" and "chaos" in the game team amid the lack of transparency at the club.

Most teams are not represented by the Professional Football Players Association (PFA) of the Football Union in England and Wales, but some have been linked with advice and support.