As many members will know, we have been pressing the club for more communication over the the embargo news that was revealed before the weekend. We have spoken to the club, but sadly the in-person meeting arranged with the new chairman Dusan Bogdanovic to discuss this issue was cancelled as he had to attend a meeting in London.
While we fully accept this is a busy time, we echo the concerns of many members and supporters concerning the terrible lack of communication about this worrying embargo.
We messaged the club with the letter attached over the weekend to have it ready for response first thing Monday morning.
It was important for us to point out the concern we felt not only about the embargo but with the deafening silence from owners and chairman on this issue. As you can see we have listed a number of questions which we hope the club will answer directly to supporters and will serve as a starting point for more to be asked.
The owners have built up a great deal of respect and credit for their funding of the progression of the club and for bringing us within touching distance of a new stadium, but that respect will very quickly evaporate if the club continues to ignore the very real concerns of members and supporters.
We will continue to update members and supporters as soon as we have received anything further from the club, and we hope that this can serve as a turning point in the way the club communicates with supporters as we move forward.
As updated yesterday, we have rescheduled our AGM for Wednesday the 22nd of July and of course we will leave ample time to discuss this and other issues on the night. We hope to see many of you there.
Thank you as always for your patience and support and rest assured we are pursuing this issue with the club as with the highest priority.
** Having sent this letter on Sunday, CEO Tim Williams emailed first thing this morning to say that despite travelling at present, he would try to call today. We also received a message from new Chairman Dusan Bogdanovic saying he had received our questions, thanking supporters for the patience and that they would be answered soon **
COYY
Paul Peros
Chairman
OxVox
OPEN LETTER – 12 JULY 2026
To the owners and board of Oxford United
As news of the EFL embargo has leaked out and finally been confirmed, supporters of the club have been desperately trying to comprehend what it means for our season, and more importantly, what it means for the future of our club moving forward.
Under this ownership we have seen a measured and consistent growth, backed by fabulous investment that has taken us to the Championship and the verge of a new stadium that will finally offer us the scope for financial stability. Sadly, that hard work and the respect and trust of supporters is being put at risk.
As Oxford fans we have seen more than our fair share of ups and downs, and our club has been dragged to the brink before. We are not blinkered to the immense difficulties that are faced in leading the club into a stable and sustainable financial footing, but having lived through turbulent times before we are aware of the warning signs and are vigilant over the safety of our club.
Supporters are the constant at this club and have been here through good times and bad, and will be here long after owners, managers and players have left. We do not demand success at every turn or a budget way beyond our means. What we do ask for and expect is communication, clarity, honesty, and a respect for the trust we have placed in you as custodians of our amazing, imperfect club. It is our home and our family.
OxVox is asking for the owners, personally or through our new chairman, to put forward a comprehensive response to the worrying events regarding proof of payments to the EFL.
Supporters need to hear honest answers to some simple questions:
• How have we got to this position and when was it clear this would be the outcome?
• What steps are being taken to remedy this issue?
• Why have the club given up on trying to do so before the end of the summer transfer window?
• While we realise the new stadium is a separately funded entity, supporters need to be reassured that funds will be in place when planning is confirmed. Are the club able to do that?
• Are new investors being sought and if so is investment imminent?
Our members and supporters are not naive. We understand the funding that has gone into the club. We understand the new financial rules and the drop from the Championship has brought with it even more complexity.
We understand that this could be a temporary blip before we push forward again but equally understand it may require us to cut our cloth a little more carefully.
What we cannot understand or countenance is the lack of communication from the highest levels. The vacuum left will only feed rumours and worries.
Having backed this club with record season ticket sales we deserve and demand some clear and open communication from the club. This should be a turning point. The club needs owners and board united with supporters to lift us up again. We will achieve nothing divided.
We will continue to request meetings with our new chairman and call for direct communication with the fans.
Our club is too important to us to stand by and hope for the best.
Kind regards
Paul Peros
Chairman
OxVox