* Ruling leaves start of 2011 NFL season in jeopardy

NEW YORK - An appeals court has granted the NFL owners' request for a stay of a prior ruling to halt their lockout of players, according to a report on the league's website on Monday.

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals had originally granted the league a temporary stay on April 29, just four days after the players succeeded in winning a district court injunction to halt the lockout.

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"In sum, we have serious doubts that the district court had jurisdiction to enjoin the league's lockout, and accordingly conclude that the league has made a strong showing that it is likely to succeed on the merits," the court said in its ruling.

The decision came on the same day groups representing the NFL and players reconvened in to resume court-ordered federal mediation after nearly a month away.

The NFL said on its website that players would remain locked out, further jeopardising the start of the 2011 season later this year.

The decision is the latest twist in a legal tug-of-war between players and owners that has been dubbed a dispute between millionaires and billionaires.

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) response to the decision was both swift and ominous.

"The NFL's request for a stay of the lockout that was granted today means no football," the NFLPA said in a statement. "The players are in mediation and are working to try to save the 2011 season."

The temporary stay will remain in place until the court can hear a full appeal. Arguments on the legality of the lockout will be heard on June 3. While a ruling can take between 30 and 45 days, it could be expedited in this case.

The lockout was initially imposed after talks between the league and players over a new collective bargaining agreement broke down on March 11.