"The rent is due and we have made a statement yesterday.

"Every quarter we have had to get the bailiffs to get the rent. In the current financial climate, we are looking to run our business more efficiently.

"There is some arrears but it is mainly the quarter. Every quarter we have had to get the bailiffs. The situation has always been there. If they cannot raise the money, it is the current owner's problem, not mine.

"They can say what they want but the bottom line is they haven't got the money to buy the stadium and to try to raise the money they have been looking at bringing other people in. It's very nice and easy to blame Kassam for everything."

Asked whether he wanted to see Oxford United cease to exist over the issue, Mr Kassam replied: "Absolutely not, but people have to run their business. I absolutely do not want to see the club go under."