Northern Irish golf ace Rory McIlroy if reportedly suing his former agent, Dublin-based Horizon Sports Management, after both of them failed to reach agreement in a legal dispute over fees.
McIlroy is suing his former agent and two other companies, Gurteen Limited and Canovan Management Services. It is reportedly understood to involve a multi-million euros dispute over fees.
The Commercial Court in Dublin heard efforts to resolve the dispute through mediation had been unsuccessful, which implies that the case would go to a full hearing next year, The BBC reported.
The world number golfer has claimed that a representation agreement signed by him almost three years ago is invalid and unenforceable on a number of grounds. He said that he signed it when he was just 22, adding that he was inexperienced and did not have independent legal advice.
The companies have denied the claims and are counter-claiming for more than 2 million euros, which they allege is outstanding under the agreement. They are also claiming damages for alleged breaches of the December 2011 agreement and a later agreement in March 2013.
Earlier this month, Commercial Court judge, Justice Brian McGovern, had suggested that both sides try to mediate the dispute.
On Monday a statement from McIlroy confirmed that the court-directed mediation process failed over the weekend to resolve the issue. He added that he needed time to prepare for the trial over his legal dispute with Horizon Sports Management, and so he would not be playing in the forthcoming BMW Masters or the WGC-HSBC Champions.
McIlroy's next appearance would be at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai from 20-23 November, the report added.
