Hopes for a prompt settlement in the 110-day old N.H.L. lockout were scuttled Thursday when players began voting to reauthorize Donald Fehr, the union’s executive director, to disclaim interest in representing the union.

If Fehr disclaims, it would effectively dissolve the union and open the way for players to file antitrust lawsuits against the league. The result of the vote is expected to be announced Saturday.

“The players retain all the legal options they have always had,” said Fehr, who did not meet with Commissioner Gary Bettman at Thursday’s sessions.

The threat of a disclaimer loomed over five hours of negotiations Wednesday, until a midnight deadline passed, a signal that talks would continue.