Joe Elliott stands aside as Coventry life presidentCoventry City life president Joe Elliott has been asked to stand aside because of his role in helping attract new investors to the Championship club.
Chairman Ken Dulieu says Elliott is involved with former vice-chairman Gary Hoffman's bid to take over the club.
But Elliot told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire: "They've asked me to step aside while discussions take place with the people that Gary has brought in."
Dulieu claims no formal bid has yet been tabled.
Hoffman added: "I have outlined an offer to the chairman and the board which they are discussing."
Elliott said he was not happy to have been withdrawn from his role although he does not think it is a permanent exclusion.
He said: "I'm disappointed. The board of Coventry City have asked me to step aside from my role as life president.
"There's a big difference between stepping down and stepping aside."
Speaking of the interest in the club, Dulieu said: "Gary Hoffman has made his position perfectly plain and we have expected him to make a formal bid.
"At present no such bid has been forthcoming, and we hope that any bid would be tabled directly to the club and not through the media or third parties."
Hoffman responded by adding: "Both Joe and I have helped SISU over the last two or three years, bringing much needed funds to the club. That's what we're trying to do again now.
"This is not a competition. We're just trying to bring in much needed investment.
"It is ridiculous to punish Joe for helping me or anyone else.
"The talks I've had with the chairman should be confidential in the interests of the club and potential investors.
"This decision on Joe forces some stuff out in the open which I regret."