NFL, refs break off talks; no new meetings set

Updated: September 1, 2012, 1:35 PM ET

ESPN.com news services

The NFL Referees Association says it has broken off talks with the league after another meeting Saturday morning failed to reach a resolution on a new labor deal.

"We are disappointed because it means that our members will not be back on the field for Week 1 of the regular season due to the NFL's continuing lockout," Mike Arnold, the lead negotiator for the referees, said in a statement. "We remain willing to negotiate with the NFL in order to reach a fair agreement.

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"However, no additional meetings are scheduled at this time."

The NFL announced Wednesday that replacement officials will be on the field for the league's regular-season opener between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.

The NFLRA was locked out in early June and replacements have been used throughout the preseason, with mixed results.

League executive Ray Anderson has said the sides remain considerably apart on economic issues, including salary and retirement benefits, and on operational issues.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.