The media firm, which used to produce a monthly magazine for SASCOC, as well as handling their general media and communications services, claims to be owed ZAR4.7 million (£269,300/$348,900/€306,200), which they allege SASCOC is refusing to pay.

SASCOC, however has hit back, calling the liquidation request "a deliberate attempt at creating a misleading perception that SASCOC is insolvent."

The South African sports body has been under scrutiny for some time after an enquiry formed by the country’s Sports Ministry last year concluded SASCOC’s Board members had been guilty of wasteful expenditure.

It also described the leadership style of the body’s President Gideon Sam as "dictatorial" and concluded that SASCOC was factional and dysfunctional.

Corporate governance and compliance controls were described as absent and it was alleged senior executives had received excessive travel benefits while travelling to international sports events.

Afterwards Sam admitted the report had a "negative impact" on the organisation’s ability to function and it has now been dealt a further blow after Highbury Media filed for SASCOC’s liquidation.

According to the South African news website IOL, Highbury’s managing director Tony Walker claimed they stopped receiving payment for their work with SASCOC 10 months ago.

He alleged the problems started after Highbury turned down a beach volleyball sponsorship deal worth ZAR3 million (£171,800/$222,700/€195,400) from former SASCOC chief executive Tubby Reddy, who had formerly served as President of Volleyball South Africa.

"The relationship, from the outset in 2009 [when Highbury and SASCOC began working together] was always good, until we expressed no interest in committing to a beach volleyball tournament in the Free State," Walker is quoted as saying.

"it was from then on that the payments slowed, and the relationship broke down.

"It has now been about 10 months since they have paid.

"We have made every attempt to resolve the situation and to find a solution in the payment structure.

"Unfortunately, it has been in vain."

It has also been reported however, that Highbury’s legal team refused a round table discussion with SASCOC in order to find a solution.

"We view this application and the recent attempts in the media as mischievous and a deliberate attempt at creating a misleading perception that SASCOC is insolvent," SASCOC said in a statement sent to Citizen.

SASCOC added, though, that they were not happy with the Highbury contract \and suggested the firm does not align with SASCOC’s vision.

"SASCOC reiterates that we are solvent and able to pay out debts when they become due," they said.

"Notwithstanding, it would be irresponsible of the organisation to continue paying for services that it does not receive and partner with suppliers who do not align with the values of the organisation."

In a separate development, Sam has claimed the body could lose its status as a member Federation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), if it is forced to implement changes recommended by last year’s enquiry.

Among the suggestions put forward by the Zulman enquiry was for the President to be elected by a committee independent from the SASCOC Council.

Sam, however, has warned the IOC would not accept such a change.

"Issue that they will not negotiate, like that the President will be elected outside, they will not agree," he is quoted as saying by Eyewitness News.

"If you’re going to be on a confrontational road, it means that SASCOC will be dropped from the IOC."