A Lanarkshire-based technology firm is suing the Ryder Cup organisers amid claims of unpaid work totalling nearly £350,000.
NVT Group, which provided the digital infrastructure at the Gleneagles event in September, has started legal proceedings and has flagged up the dispute to the Scottish Government
The three-day golfing showpiece was watched by a global audience and ended with the European side retaining the trophy after a comfortable victory over the US. The event was also a boon to Scottish businesses and helped promote the country on the world stage.
However, behind the scenes, a bitter row has been raging between the Ryder Cup organisers and a key contractor.
NVT, located in Bellshill, had been hired by Ryder Cup Europe (RCE) to lead on IT infrastructure.
The firm, which had also worked on the Commonwealth Games and the Scottish Open, was tasked with providing expertise to broadcasters and ensuring that the multiple on-site locations had an internet connection.
However, it is claimed NVT provided services and equipment in excess of what was stated in the contract. Although NVT received its contractual sum, the company has estimated it is still due around £344,000 from RCE.
Attempts to resolve the impasse have failed and a meeting has also taken place with civil servants, as ministers provided staunch support to the event.
Legal action has now commenced and RCE received a summons last week. It is understood job losses will be considered if the cash is not received.
A contractor who worked with NVT said: "NVT are one of Scotland's top IT firms and they are always a pleasure to work with. The intimidation their staff had to deal with during the Ryder Cup from people connected to the organisers was outrageous."
The dispute is far removed from the announcement of the contract.
At the time, Europe Ryder Cup director Richard Hills said: "Without question, delivery of cutting-edge technology at the highest level is crucial to the success of any modern-day sporting occasion and I know that, with the expertise of NVT Group behind us, the 2014 Ryder Cup will achieve that objective."
Stephen Park Brown, managing director of NVT Group, also looked forward to carrying out the work: "As a business we are currently celebrating our 25th anniversary and we can't think of a better way to do so than by announcing our involvement with the 2014 Ryder Cup."
A spokesman for NVT declined to comment on the row.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Ryder Cup Europe said: "We had a number of concerns about the service provided by NVT during the Ryder Cup and its build and have been trying to resolve them. Regrettably, we have been unable to do so as yet. We cannot comment on the specifics of the case because of the pending action, but the claim will be vigorously defended."
Murdo Fraser, tourism spokesman for the Scottish Tories, said: "The Ryder Cup was a great advert for Scotland and it is hoped the event will provide a lasting legacy for golf and the tourism industry. In view of this, it is particularly disappointing that there is a dispute between a Scottish company and the organisers. I hope this matter will be resolved as quickly as possible, in order to avoid any tarnishing of the event."
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