Parramatta board elections, a constant source of factionalism and infighting, will not be allowed to resume until members first agree to a new constitution.

Eels chairman Max Donnelly's attempt to overhaul the club's constitution was blocked at an extraordinary meeting of the Parramatta Leagues Club on Wednesday night. Only 173 members voted at the Rosehill Racecourse gathering that comprised a large contingent of supporters loyal to former Eels powerbrokers Denis Fitzgerald and Roy Spagnolo.

Eels chairman Max Donnelly is going back to the drawing board after members blocked his constitutional reforms. Credit:Anna Kucera

The most contentious reform was banning all former Parramatta directors from ever returning to the corridors of power, which would have effectively put a line through Fitzgerald, Spagnolo and all those directors who presided over the salary cap scandal. However, the overwhelming majority of those present blocked the move, ensuring the "yes" vote fell well short of the 75 per cent required to pass a new constitution.

The development raises the prospect of Fitzgerald, Spagnolo and other former powerbrokers returning to the boardroom. However, Donnelly said they would not be returning under his watch as he returns to the drawing board in an attempt to come up with a compromise that will be accepted by members.