OXFORD United appear to be in more financial trouble after stadium landlords Firoka filed a winding-up petition.

A document seen by the Oxford Mail shows the firm, owned by former U’s chairman Firoz Kassam, is seeking £240,000, with the case due to be heard at the High Court on February 27.

When contacted, United confirmed payment has been agreed in principle for the due amount to be paid.

It is thought to be the first payment requested over the historic service charge, which is believed to be in the region of £800,000.

Firoz Kassam

The long-running arbitration proceedings where United were contesting the fees were brought to a halt earlier this season.

Also read: Oxford United owner gives explanation for latest HMRC winding-up petition

It is the fourth winding-up petition which has been served to the club since Sumrith ‘Tiger’ Thanakarnjanasuth took over the club a year ago.

The other three involved late payments to HM Revenue & Customs which were paid before the matter reached court, with the most recent coming last month.

Oxford United chairman Sumrith 'Tiger' Thanakarnjanasuth

Tiger had wanted to foster a better relationship with Firoka following the end of the arbitration proceedings.

Last month he said: "I think after we stop the arbitration then we will be able to talk more than during the arbitration period.

“Now we are dealing with them to agree on the previous service charge.

“We cannot come to an agreement or the date yet, but we’re working on the date for the old service charge.”

He added: “At this moment we have to build a good relationship with the stadium company.

“They lost a good relationship for the last ten years and we’ve tried to bring it back.

“A good relationship means better terms, everything that can make this club better.”