The founders of a 20-year-old multi-cultural festival have accused Edinburgh council of "unjustified criticisms" which are putting the future of the landmark event at risk.

The Edinburgh Mela board has urged the council and Creative Scotland to explain to the public why they have pulled funding and called for its current leadership to be removed.

Edinburgh council, which awarded £76,679 to the Mela last year alone, has confirmed it will not commit funds this year.

The senior council official who pulled the funding told the board he "does not accept that all our questions and concerns have been addressed".

The board, led by former Edinburgh deputy lieutenant Shami Khan, said they have followed due diligence and pressed the council for clarification.

In emails seen by Press Association Scotland, council executive director Paul Lawrence said: "I do not see the value in providing you with all the detail on why the council feels the Mela's governance, capacity and leadership is not at a level we can support."

The board has called on the council to make its concerns public.

It has arranged a press conference on Wednesday to answer questions about its governance and discuss the future of the festival.

In a statement, the board said: "The Mela board has been subjected to unjustified criticisms from the council and Creative Scotland regarding leadership, management, governance, rotation, OSCR (Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator) threats and skills.

"A business plan was demanded. The Mela board has answered questions asked and responded to demands many times to repetitive requests.

"In contrast, questions asked by the Mela board have remained unanswered."

It added: "The justification for proposing the destruction of the present Mela board and replacing it by September 1, 2016 must be explained to the public by Edinburgh Council and Creative Scotland.

"It is not based on the Mela board not following its constitution, nor is it based on the failure of past Mela festivals.

"The Mela grew with a commitment from Mela board members, some of whom are founder members, from 1995 to 2015.

"Charities cannot succeed without commitment - which money cannot buy.

"If the Mela Festival dies in 2016 and does not return, Edinburgh council and Creative Scotland will remain responsible."

The board said the council's concerns stem from a complaint raised by an aggrieved member of staff who resigned amid "financial irregularities".

It said: "His tribunal claim for financial compensation is being vigorously contested by the Mela board. Financial irregularities are being investigated by the police."

In emails, Mr Lawrence told the board: "I refute any suggestion that this decision has been made as a result of any kind of manipulation. This is simply not the case."

Police Scotland has confirmed it has "been made aware of claims relating to financial irregularities involving an individual".

A spokeswoman said: "As this is forming part on an ongoing inquiry, which includes establishing whether a crime has been committed, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

A joint statement from Edinburgh council and Creative Scotland said: "The council and Creative Scotland have been in detailed discussions with the Mela board for several months and have sought assurances on the many challenges facing the festival.

"The information submitted does not provide confidence that the Mela board can resolve the current difficulties, and as such, the council has now reluctantly taken the decision not to release public funds to this year's festival.

"The council and Creative Scotland are long-standing supporters of the Edinburgh Mela and the cultural benefits the event brings. We are disappointed a resolution has not been achieved and hope the Mela's current challenges can be addressed so that the festival can return in 2017."