A Moscow court on Aug. 11 barred TNK-BP chief Robert Dudley from carrying out his managerial duties, in part because of an alleged violation of Russian labor laws. Dudley fled Russia in July to carry out his responsibilities in a secret European location, citing harassment.

At its next meeting in September the TNK-BP board is expected to examine who will assume Dudley's responsibilities. Considerations regarding the 50-50 structure of the relationship may also be weighed, The Financial Times said Thursday.

Dudley has claimed the Moscow court decision and harassment issues were part of a broader campaign by the Russian shareholders to gain more control of the merger.

The Russian shareholders, represented by the Alfa-Access-Renova group, counter the allegations, saying BP and Dudley repeatedly violated Russian labor laws.

In what analysts consider a sign of further shakeups, Executive Vice President and Marketing Chief Anthony Considine tendered his resignation Monday, pointing to a lack of development objectives within the company.