Premiership Rugby has rejected claims of an amnesty over salary cap breaches and refused to confirm an investigation into breaches has been suspended.

A report in The Times claims that a majority of clubs in England have voted in favour of suspending inquiries into alleged rule-breaking.

According to the report, the suspension has been voted against because of the clubs' desire to protect the image of the Premiership, as well as fears over endangering negotiations with the RFU about the release of England players.

"We don't make any comment on any salary-cap investigations which might or might not be occurring," an official statement from Premiership Rugby read.

"But to be clear there is no amnesty under salary cap arrangements. The salary cap system is an integral part of Premiership Rugby and has the support of our clubs."

Claims were made last December that the spending of Saracens and one other club were under investigation.

According to the regulations, clubs can be docked up to 40 points for spending more than £5.25 million, which is £250,000 more than the £5m cap; minor breaches incur a penalty of four points.

However, a decision would have to be made on the potential breaches before May 16, when the final round of matches takes place, for the penalties to be imposed this season.

Any potential points deductions could have major ramifications on the race for the top four play-off spots this season, as well as the top six places, which ensure qualification for next season's European Champions Cup.

Two rounds of matches remain of the regular season, with Saracens in third place, two points behind Leicester Tigers and three points ahead of Exeter Chiefs in a tight battle for the top four.