Businessman George Thomson, of Motherwell financial advisers Thomson Associates, is behind the plan along with three other members of the local business community.

The proposal has been prompted by concern about the way Lanarkshire Amateur Football Association has been run in the past.

In particular it's understood that an investigation has been carried out following suggestions of financial irregularities within LAFA and that a report on the findings of that investigation is due to be published shortly by the Scottish Amateur Football Association.

Mr Thomson and his colleagues say they want to have the proposed new North and South Lanarkshire Amateur Football League up and running by the start of the 2008-2009 season.

It's believed that the investigation centres around former LAFA officials rather than the current committee.

However, supporters of the breakaway feel that that setting up a new league and distancing themselves from the previous set-up would be the best way to maintain the integrity of the area's amateur football operations and attract new sponsors.

But the move could have huge repercussions for clubs all over Lanarkshire who are currently members of LAFA.

Mr Thomson said clubs wishing to join the new league could contact him on 07500 216 606 for more details and an application form.

SAFA president Gus Mackay confirmed that a report into the past financial management of the LAFA was expected to go before the SAFA's executive and finance committee.

However, he said he could not comment further at this stage.