BP said last night that a Russian labour court has barred Robert Dudley, the chief executive officer of its troubled Russian joint venture, TNK-BP, from office for two years.

BP said last night that a Russian labour court has barred Robert Dudley, the chief executive officer of its troubled Russian joint venture, TNK-BP, from office for two years.

The London-based petroleum group said it is disappointed by the court's decision, adding that Dudley will retain his position until completion of an appeal process.

"We will appeal with the Moscow Appelate Court within 10 days," said TNK-BP spokeswoman Marina Dracheva. Moscow's Presnensky District Court disqualified Dudley for failure to obey instructions of labour authorities, TNK-BP said.

American-born Dudley had left Russia last month when his work permit was not renewed, but has been continuing to work as chief executive from a secret location outside the country.

TNK-BP is a joint venture between the British oil group and four Russian billionaires, who have demanded BP-backed Dudley resign, accusing him of favouritism to BP. The British oil major has denied these claims.

The announcement of the court's decision came too late to affect BP's share price but City analysts say it creates fresh doubts for the viability of the joint venture, which has been dogged by controversy.

In early August, an appelate court in Moscow found Dudley guilty of violating Russia's labour code and fined him 500 roubles (about £10).

The court case, initiated by Russia's state labour agency, raised questions about TNK-BP's use of foreign employees. BP's local partners have also complained about the use of foreign workers and secondees from BP.

The earlier court case over labour violations could have ultimately seen Dudley barred for three years but the court opted for a fine instead. TNK-BP's shareholders are locked in a public battle over strategy and management at the firm, which produces a quarter of BP's global output.

Dudley, who left Russia after failing to receive a visa and saying he and the company were subject to a campaign of harassment, has not disclosed his whereabouts.

BP's Russian partners have tried to oust Dudley several times as chief executive but have failed to topple him.

The UK oil group has accused the Russian owners of using corporate raider tactics to wrest control of the company. "We believe this is clearly a further example of administrative activity orchestrated by the other shareholders," said BP spokeswoman Sheila Williams.

TNK-BP's parent company, TNK-BP Limited, will hold an extraordinary meeting on September 25 to discuss management issues and a potential secondary share offering.