Motherwell are considering issuing a winding-up order against Cardiff to recoup a £175,000 debt owed by the Welsh club.
Cardiff failed to pay Motherwell £100,000 due in January for the transfer of right-back Paul Quinn and a further £75,000 summer payment was not forthcoming. The Clydesdale Bank Premier League club issued a writ against Cardiff at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday but they have revealed in a statement that City did not attend or submit a defence.
Fir Park chief executive Leann Dempster said in a statement: "It is critical that clubs work constructively with each other to ensure we can manage a very difficult financial climate for the game. We have given Cardiff every chance to do the right thing."
Motherwell say they pursued the claim "firmly but courteously" but failed to receive a "business-like response".
The club initially issued a statement on July 22 expressing their frustration at the situation, but no solution has been found.
And Motherwell chairman John Boyle is understood to be furious after the npower Championship club agreed a deal to sign Bellamy on loan from Manchester City.
Dempster added: "The board now believe that Cardiff's position is untenable given their activity in the transfer market acquiring Jason Koumas, Tom Heaton, Danny Drinkwater, Seyi Olofinjana, Martin John, and now, the loan signing of Manchester City's Craig Bellamy.
"Given all these circumstances and with legal and moral weight behind us, Motherwell FC have no option but to immediately pursue all legal routes to ensure this significant sum paid to us as quickly as possible.
"These may include issuing a winding-up order, arresting assets or physically sending bailiffs to their ground on match day to take possession of cash.
"Every option will be fully considered and implemented as soon as possible."
Source: PA
