A mediation meeting between the parties involved in ongoing Hawthorn racism probe has fallen over following confusion over who had been extended an invitation, according to reports.

The meeting was due to take place in Adelaide on Tuesday, before uncertainty over attendees saw it cancelled.

The Herald Sun reports the session was abandoned despite flights being booked by families central to the investigations of alleged racist conduct by former Hawks coaching staff Alastair Clarkson, Chris Fagan and Jason Burt.

All three have denied any wrongdoing.

Fagan, now head coach at Brisbane, Clarkson, who recently stepped away from his post at North Melbourne for an indefinite period, and Burt are all understood to have been invited via their legal teams.

It was decided by all parties that the meeting could not go forward without full attendance by all involved.

It's the latest roadblock in the now eight-month investigation.

In recent weeks, Fagan took aim at reports both he and Clarkson were unwilling to engage in mediation, and denied receiving a set of 18 demands reportedly placed in front of the pair as criteria to meet for the sit-down.

In a statement released by Fagan on May 7, he said he would "consider" attending mediation "in good faith with a view to arriving at a consensual resolution".

Just days before his temporary departure from coaching duties at North, Clarkson said he was "open to speaking to the investigation panel first and foremost" in a fiery press conference at Arden Street.

On May 19 rumours surfaced the investigation could be brought to a close due to a lack of evidence against Clarkson, Fagan and Burt, according to two unnamed sources.

Some have suggested the matters should have been resolved through the courts.

According to the Herald Sun's article on Tuesday, some of the Indigenous former Hawthorn players and their families central to the claims are concerned with any plans for deal-making and shutting down he investigation. Some are understood to feel a solution would avoid costly court proceedings.

The former players and their partners are understood to be in favour of a truth-telling session with those facing the allegations and discussing future racism policies for the Hawks and AFL.

A compensation fund to assist the families may be set up, according to the Herald Sun.

Two families are said to be considering launching civil action against the club.

Judy Courtin, a lawyer representing on of the families, said her clients feel "traumatised" by the lengthy probe, and were concerned the saga was turning to a "whitewash".

Dr Courtin told the ABC the family has some sympathy for Clarkson, but was unimpressed by the lack of recognition or acknowledgment given to those behind the allegations.

"On the other hand, what about some recognition and acknowledgement for what they have gone through? What about them? There has been no focus on them," she said.

"There has been no public or even private words of support or acknowledgement or understanding. They're feeling, once again, very much traumatised."

"There hasn't been any public acknowledgement or support or understanding from the (former) president of the Hawthorn Football Club (Jeff Kennett) for our clients," she said.

Dr Courtin said he clients want to "heal", and "are not out to get anyone in particular", but said Hawthorn must "own" and "fix" the issue at hand.

On Thursday Hawthorn chief executive Justin Reeves resigned from the club for amid "personal toll and the need to focus on his well-being in what has been a very difficult period for the club".