Goldin Auctions was due to auction the ring, which previously belonged to former Houston Astros scout David Brito.

The auction house claimed the team had refused to allow the auction to taking place, despite the proceeds going towards coronavirus relief measures and securing personal protective equipment for healthcare centres.

According to Yahoo Sports, the Houston Astros said they had a legal agreement with Brito which allowed them to buy back the ring for $1.

Brito had reportedly sold the ring, with the new owner placing it up for auction.

Ken Goldin, founder of the action house, told Yahoo Sports that the team had declined to make a donation to the same causes intended to benefit from the auction.

Goldin then returned the ring to the individual who had placed it up for auction.

"I am going to write a check for the amount the charity would have gotten had the ring sold," Goldin tweeted.

"Can’t believe some people especially billionaire teams."

Rings are produced for Major League Baseball (MLB) players and staff who win the World Series.

The Houston Astros won the World Series in 2017 by overcoming the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3.

The team were later accused of using technology to steal signs from opposing teams during 2017 and 2018.

MLB sanctioned the team in January following an investigation, with general manager Jeff Luhnow and field manager AJ Hinch suspended for the entire 2020 season.

Both were sacked on the same day the sanctions was announced.

The team were also fined the maximum punishment of $5 million (£4 million/€4.6 million) and forfeited their first- and second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 drafts.