Latest news with #FirokaGroup
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Championship side could cease to 'exist' as CEO makes public plea in attempt to save club
Oxford United CEO Tim Williams has painted a stark picture of the position the club find themselves in as they continue their attempts to build a new stadium. The Yellows, who finished 17th in the Championship in 2024-25 in what was their first season in the second tier of English football for 26 years, have played at the Kassam Stadium since 2001. However, the ground - which has gained notoriety for only having three sides - is owned by the club's former chairman Firoz Kassam and his Firoka Group, who have informed Oxford that they cannot stay there forever. Last month, a deal was struck to allow the club to play at the Kassam until the end of the 2026-27 season, with the option to extend until June 2028, but after that they will have to move somewhere else. The club have been working on alternatives and have outlined their plans for a new 16,000-seater all-electric stadium that will also have other on site amenities like a 180-bedroom hotel, a conference and events centre, along with a gym. But, according to Williams, Oxford may cease to exist if they don't get the green light on planning permission for the proposed new ground. It has yet to receive approval from Oxfordshire County Council despite the focus on sustainability, with a decision expected next month. 'When our lease at the Kassam Stadium runs out, we won't have a home and a stadium to play in,' Williams told Sky Sports News in an eye-opening interview. 'If we don't have a stadium, there is a risk we won't have a football club. 'It doesn't get more serious than that for a football club. We have seen headlines recently about a new Manchester United stadium, which with all due respect is a want and not a need. 'If Manchester United don't move out, they still have Old Trafford. If Everton hadn't moved into Bramley Moore-Dock, they've still got Goodison. 'If we don't move into a new stadium, we are homeless and we don't exist and it's an absolute travesty in my view. It's that important.' Williams continued to emphasise the grave position the club find themselves in, while he also highlighted the benefits of the potential new ground. 'We now have a Regulator, and we have a report by Tracey Crouch which talks about football assets,' he added. 'We are a poster child for what good football governance and football clubs should be about. 'It's going to be a 16,000-seater stadium, on the outskirts of Oxford, and a real community asset, fully sustainable, in a brilliant location in the country. 'We need support, but we also need to say, the point about the club potentially not existing is a real one. This needs to be moved up every headline. 'We are entering a crucial period in the club's history. The future of the club hinges on the new stadium, and I'd urge every supporter, every stakeholder, and every voice to get behind this project.'
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Kassam Stadium extension 'reinforces' Oxford United's move need
Oxford United's lease extension at the Kassam Stadium "reinforces" that the club must move from it soon, the city council's leader has Championship club's licence had been due to expire at the end of next season but will run until at least June could be extended for another year until June 2028 but is dependent on the club getting planning permission for a 16,000-capacity stadium at the Triangle, near Brown, the council's leader, said it was clear the Kassam Stadium "cannot provide a long-term home" for the U's. She said while the extension was "welcome", it was "regrettable that such an arrangement is necessary".The stadium is owned by the club's former chairman Firoz Kassam and his Firoka Group."It confirms the temporary nature of the club's current arrangements and underscores the importance of delivering a new, sustainable home that meets the long-term needs of Oxford United and the wider community," Ms Brown District Council is set to decide if the new stadium should go ahead by 31 July, according to its 3,800 people and organisations have submitted their views on the scheme, which would include a hotel, restaurant and gym, and comments will be accepted until the end of Oxford City Council plans, the land used for the Kassam Stadium could be used for at least 150 homes in the local authority and the Firoka Group own that land.A leisure complex next to the current stadium could be redeveloped and used as a science park. You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Championship club handed final deadline to leave stadium with side's long-term future ‘not guaranteed'
Scroll down to see plans for their new stadium GROUND TO A HALT Championship club handed final deadline to leave stadium with side's long-term future 'not guaranteed' OXFORD UNITED have been told when they must leave the Kassam Stadium. The Championship club have been playing at the 12,500-seater venue for the last 24 years. 4 Oxford have been set a date they must leave the Kassam Stadium Credit: Rex 4 The ground only has three stands Credit: Getty But it is owned by former chairman Firoz Kassam and his Firoka Group, who want Oxford to move out. The license was due to expire at the end of next season and leave the team without a home in just 12 months' time. But an agreement has been struck that sees the deal extended to the end of the 2026/27 campaign, with the option of one further year maximum. It means Oxford must move out the three-stand Kassam Stadium by June 2028 at the latest. Former club chief Kassam stated: 'Oxford United have been a hugely important part of my life for over 25 years, but now is the right time for all of us to look to the next chapter. 'Agreeing to this extension allows Firoka Group to focus on developing the wider site for local people and the city of Oxford, whilst providing the club with clarity in the short-term. "It's now up to others to approve planning to guarantee Oxford United's long-term future.' Current U's chief Grant Ferguson added: "The club was facing some very difficult decisions on where to play after our licence expired in June 2026 and before our new stadium is ready. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 'There has been a massive amount of work going on behind the scenes to get us to this point, and I would like to place on record my thanks to Firoz Kassam who personally oversaw the discussions which led to this short-term extension being signed. 'Agreeing this goes well beyond the terms of our existing arrangement and demonstrates Firoz's support for the Club, particularly given this could potentially delay his plans for the site. "We can now move forward with certainty as both parties look to the future.' Oxford plan to build a new 16,000-seater ground and have submitted the proposal to Cherwell District Council. The new home is set to be on land known as the Triangle near Kidlington and the stadium will include a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health & well-being space, gym and community plaza. 4 Oxford have unveiled plans for their new home Credit: AFL Architects / Oxford United
The Irish Sun
14-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Championship club handed final deadline to leave stadium with side's long-term future ‘not guaranteed'
OXFORD UNITED have been told when they must leave the Kassam Stadium. The Championship club have been playing at the 12,500-seater venue for the last 24 years. Advertisement 4 Oxford have been set a date they must leave the Kassam Stadium Credit: Rex 4 The ground only has three stands Credit: Getty But it is owned by former chairman Firoz Kassam and his Firoka Group, who want The license was due to expire at the end of next season and leave But an agreement has been struck that sees the deal extended to the end of the 2026/27 campaign, with the option of one further year maximum. It means Oxford must move out the three-stand Kassam Stadium by June 2028 at the latest. Advertisement READ MORE IN FOOTBALL Former club chief Kassam 'Agreeing to this extension allows Firoka Group to focus on developing the wider site for local people and the city of Oxford, whilst providing the club with clarity in the short-term. "It's now up to others to approve planning to guarantee Oxford United's long-term future.' Current U's chief Grant Ferguson added: "The club was facing some very difficult decisions on where to play after our licence expired in June 2026 and before our new stadium is ready. Advertisement Most read in Football JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 'There has been a massive amount of work going on behind the scenes to get us to this point, and I would like to place on record my thanks to Firoz Kassam who personally oversaw the discussions which led to this short-term extension being signed. 'Agreeing this goes well beyond the terms of our existing arrangement and demonstrates Firoz's support for the Club, particularly given this could potentially delay his plans for the site. "We can now move forward with certainty as both parties look to the future.' Advertisement Oxford plan to build a The 4 Oxford have unveiled plans for their new home Credit: AFL Architects / Oxford United 4 An extra 3,500 fans will fit in the ground Credit: AFL Architects / Oxford United Advertisement
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Championship club handed final deadline to leave stadium with side's long-term future ‘not guaranteed'
OXFORD UNITED have been told when they must leave the Kassam Stadium. The Championship club have been playing at the 12,500-seater venue for the last 24 years. 4 4 But it is owned by former chairman Firoz Kassam and his Firoka Group, who want Oxford to move out. The license was due to expire at the end of next season and leave the team without a home in just 12 months' time. But an agreement has been struck that sees the deal extended to the end of the 2026/27 campaign, with the option of one further year maximum. It means Oxford must move out the three-stand Kassam Stadium by June 2028 at the latest. Former club chief Kassam stated: 'Oxford United have been a hugely important part of my life for over 25 years, but now is the right time for all of us to look to the next chapter. 'Agreeing to this extension allows Firoka Group to focus on developing the wider site for local people and the city of Oxford, whilst providing the club with clarity in the short-term. "It's now up to others to approve planning to guarantee Oxford United's long-term future.' Current U's chief Grant Ferguson added: "The club was facing some very difficult decisions on where to play after our licence expired in June 2026 and before our new stadium is ready. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 'There has been a massive amount of work going on behind the scenes to get us to this point, and I would like to place on record my thanks to Firoz Kassam who personally oversaw the discussions which led to this short-term extension being signed. 'Agreeing this goes well beyond the terms of our existing arrangement and demonstrates Firoz's support for the Club, particularly given this could potentially delay his plans for the site. "We can now move forward with certainty as both parties look to the future.' Oxford plan to build a new 16,000-seater ground and have submitted the proposal to Cherwell District Council. The new home is set to be on land known as the Triangle near Kidlington and the stadium will include a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health & well-being space, gym and community plaza. 4 4
