Thursday 4 April 2019 16:25, UK
Oxford United have been served a winding-up petition by their stadium owners, Firoka, over a late rent payment.
The petition was issued on Wednesday, just days after the club made late payments to non-playing staff for March.
Oxford released a statement on Thursday, explaining how meetings with the stadium owners were not forthcoming, despite repeated efforts on the club's part to find a fair way to resolve disputes over stadium rent and service charges.
Firoka, which is owned by former Oxford chairman Firoz Kassam, cancelled a March 26 meeting between the two parties, and the club say they have been unable to arrange another.
"Last week's meeting was cancelled by Firoka at short notice," the club said in a statement. "We accept that the payment had been missed but immediately asked for another meeting, as well as offering to pay the outstanding amount on April 10th in the interests of allowing constructive discussions to take place with Firoka regarding the use of the stadium and to avoid any dispute proceedings being necessary.
"We have tried several times since then to arrange a meeting but have been unsuccessful so far.
"We are extremely disappointed that a winding up petition was issued and that the press were notified.
"The club is reviewing its position and reserving its right to instigate further arbitration proceedings if necessary, but we remain hopeful that we can work with Firoka/Mr Kassam to finally find a FAIR deal for all concerned and for the club to work with a FAIR stadium agreement going forward."
In February of this year, Mr Kassam said he had not spoken to owner Sumrith 'Tiger' Thanakarnjanasuth, who took over in February 2018.
"I have not had any contact with him," Kassam said at the time. "I do not know (if I will), although there is no real need - I am only the poor landlord and Oxford United are my tenants."
Oxford have also been served with three winding-up petitions from HM Revenue & Customs over late tax payments since Thanakarnjanasuth's takeover.
Currently 12th in the League One table and seven points clear of the relegation places, Oxford will play 21st-place Walsall away on Saturday.
