LONDON -- Two-time major champion Rory McIlroy has launched legal action against his former management company.

Britain's Press Association reports McIlroy alleges in court papers he was misled by Horizon Sports Management and its leading agent, Conor Ridge, who were "primarily concerned with maximising their own share of any commission."

Lawyers for Horizon have said they plan to file a counterclaim. A trial date is scheduled for October next year.

PA said court papers claim McIlroy signed his contract with Dublin-based Horizon at the company's Christmas party "in circumstances of great informality" and without having seen a draft of the agreement before it was given to him to sign.

McIlroy also alleges Horizon paid children's charity UNICEF $166,000 of his money in March without his knowledge or consent.