Eric Grothe snr and Steve Sharp were teammates during the glory days of the blue and golds, winning premierships and forging what appeared to be a lifelong friendship. However, Sharp, now the club chairman, and Grothe snr, a former Parramatta District Rugby League Club board member, have fallen out over allegations the latter is not deemed "fit and proper" to occupy a director's seat.

Grothe snr was one of five officials recommended for disciplinary action in a damning Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing Report about Parramatta Leagues. It's alleged that an arrangement for Grothe Meat and Raffle Trays to supply product to the club was not properly disclosed to members and could be construed as an example of "individuals … obtaining a personal advantage from their involvement in a club".

In a savage attack posted on Instagram on Thursday night, Grothe jnr accused Sharp of trying to eliminate anyone who posed a political threat to the status quo.

"Big thanks to @theparraeels (Steve Sharp and his board) for cancelling my dads Parra Eels membership," Grothe jnr posted.

"What a great way to treat a 'mate' ... and all purely for political gain. Despite being repeatedly put down by you all, dad surprisingly only had nice things to say about you. What a fantastic legacy you're leaving. Congratulations, Sharpy and co ... I hope the votes you gain overshadow that burning feeling you should have for selling your souls for extra votes. Another fantastic life decision.

"What was most damning was emails that went out twice to 15,000 members making out that dad is a criminal. It's a witch hunt that's orchestrated by the current regime for political gain only. Adios to the club we spent a big chunk of our lives playing for and being around. I realise this sounds bitter. That's because it is. A good man has had his life membership canceled.

"Sorry to all the ex and current players, staff and supporters who want the current 'board' gone. Good luck to the players and coaching staff. Big year."

However, an Eels spokesperson said his life membership had not been cancelled.

"Parramatta can confirm that, contrary to reports this evening, the life membership of Eric Grothe snr has not been cancelled or withdrawn," said Josh Drayton, the head of communications for the Parramatta Leagues Club Group.

"The Parramatta Leagues Club is currently awaiting the outcome of the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority's process before concluding its disciplinary proceedings."

When told about Grothe jnr's attack, Sharp said: "All I will say is that he has got all of his facts wrong.

"When the [OLGR] report is handed down it will all be justified. It's all around compliance issues within his tenure as a director at the club.

"[Board member] Tom Issa and I had a motto when we took this position on – club first, team second and individual third.

"He is a great mate of mine and I love Eric to death, but the club comes first.

"I am very disappointed Eric has taken that stance … Not once did he come to me to address any concerns he's got."

Attempts to contact Grothe jnr, himself a former Eels board member, were unsuccessful.

The power struggles at the Eels are set to continue when members go to the polls, most likely in April. It is expected there will be at least one rebel ticket formed in an attempt to oust the current regime.

In another political rift at the club, the Parramatta District Rugby League Club elections were abandoned after the entity was placed in voluntary administration.