Government could be forced to intervene to help resolve the nearly month-long contract dispute involving Bermuda Cricket Board and national team cricketers, has learned.

Hours after the players rejected the Board's latest contract proposal, Sports Minister Dale Butler said his ministry was now prepared to put its foot down and resolve the ongoing dispute which threatens to put a damper on the Island's 2007 World Cup plans.

"I am extremely disappointed to learn about this impasse and our ministry stands ready to resolve the issue. There is a great deal at stake and we want our players to do well," said Butler yesterday.

BCB executives met last weekend to piece together the latest proposal that was presented to the players on Wednesday with hopes of settling the dilemma once and for all.

However, the players ? who have retained legal representation ? have again refused to accept terms of the latest proposal, and are now contemplating turning to Government for assistance.

"Some of the players are now discussing the possibility of calling on the Department of Youth and Sport to intervene and help settle the dispute," read a statement forwarded to from one of the local law firms acting on behalf of the disgruntled players.

"There has been another proposal which was found by the players to be unsatisfactory at the moment."

At the core of the players' concerns are the wages of certain team members and the Board's decision to do away with the players' monthly retainer fee.

Last month saw national team cricketers boycott a training session at the National Sports Centre hours after rejecting the Board's initial contract draft.

Senior Board executive Gary Fray has accused those players who have sought legal advice of "putting the cart before the horse".

"It's a shame that this has gone this far because the players were aware that we were going to meet last Saturday," Fray told earlier this week.

"We (Board) are not hiding anything and whatever monies is due to them they will get it. We basically accepted and gave them everything they proposed, so what's the gripe?

"After the executive met on Saturday, we were all sort of relieved and satisfied that we had done the best we could and had come very close to what the players had requested . . . not where it warranted the step that they have now taken."

Meanwhile, Minister Butler said he hoped the matter could be resolved soon.

"Time is running out and this matters must be resolved as quickly as possible," he added.

"We are looking at our options and will announce them as soon as we are officially contacted."