The board of the Cronulla leagues and football clubs has endorsed embattled chairman Barry Pierce but also called an extraordinary general meeting "for the purpose of conducting a fresh election" in the wake of the NRL club's series of off-field dramas.

A board election is currently underway at the Sharks and the club said it would also run its course before a new vote after members meet by the end of July.

"The board unanimously resolved to hold an extraordinary general meeting of all Members by July 31, 2009 for the purposes of conducting a fresh election and recommend changes to the club's constitution," a Sharks statement said on Saturday.

"Details of the election will be announced at the annual general meeting on Thursday, 28 May.

"The current election will run its course.

"The board endorsed Barry Pierce as chairman and looks forward to the current board members being re-elected during the current election."

The board met on Saturday "to discuss recent events and the concerns of members", the statement said.

Pierce's position has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks with his role in the cover-up of a sex scandal in 2002 and the Sharks' dire financial position fuelling calls for him to stand down.

The club plunged into another crisis on Thursday with major sponsor LG Electronics announcing it would not continue its $700,000 a year agreement, while an accidental punch by chief executive Tony Zappia on a former female employee last year was revealed to have cost the club $20,000.

Pierce is due to hold a media conference later on Saturday.

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