CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A British court on Monday threw into question who controls nearly $2 billion in Venezuelan gold stowed in a London bank vault amid a power struggle between President Nicolás Maduro and his leading rival.

The appeals court ruling set aside a British judge’s earlier decision granting control of the bullion to U.S.-backed opposition leader Juan Guaidó.

Britain recognizes Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate leader, while also holding diplomatic ties with Maduro. The appeals court has ordered a deeper investigation into the matter before either side is given access to the gold.

Maduro has demanded the gold. But the central bank for the United Kingdom had refused to hand it over to his government and a judge in July sided with Guaidó.

Sarosh Zaiwalla, an attorney who represents Venezuela’s Central Bank, praised Monday's decision giving the case further consideration.