Championship side Leeds United have been served with a winding-up petition. BBC Radio Leeds reports that the petition has been lodged by Ford & Warren solicitors.
While Ken Bates was chairman of Leeds, former United director Melvyn Levi and his business partner Robert Walton were accused of dishonest dealings by Bates, but the case was struck out of court.
The unpaid fees amount to around £150,000 and the hearing is set to be held on 13 January.
In another case, Levi sued Bates for harassment in 2012 and was awarded £10,000 in compensation.
Bates sold Leeds to GFH Capital in December 2012 before Italian businessman Massimo Cellino bought a majority share in April 2014.
Nick Collins, senior partner at Ford and Warren, told BBC Radio Leeds: "This is not a dispute with Mr Cellino. This is something he has inherited from the previous ownership of the club.
"We bear no ill-will towards Mr Cellino and we wish him well. I genuinely hope we can resolve this amicably but we must do what is necessary to protect our clients' position."
