Morecambe FC break ties with takeover figure accused of supporting terrorist group

The UK government has frozen the financial assets of a key member of Morecambe FC’s ownership group after he was accused of supporting a terrorist organisation in India.

Morecambe say they have ceased relations with Gurpreet Singh Rehal, previously described as the head of communications and director of marketing for the club’s owner, Panjab Warriors.

The Treasury said in a statement on Thursday that it had assessed that Rehal was “promoting and encouraging, carrying out recruitment activities for, [and] providing financial services to” the Sikh separatist militant group Babbar Khalsa, which is proscribed in the UK.

The Treasury statement said that all Rehal’s assets, and those of a related organisation, Babbar Akali Lehar, were “now subject to an asset freeze”.

Morecambe and Panjab Warriors said in a joint statement that they had ceased to have a professional relationship with Rehal. “Following recent serious concerns that have come to light, we took immediate and decisive action, and his association with both organisations has been fully removed,” they said, promising to “further strengthen our internal processes, including enhanced due diligence checks for key personnel”.

Rehal played a prominent part in the Panjab Warriors takeover this year. The announcement of the deal in June was led by lengthy remarks from Rehal, who described the takeover as “more than a business venture” and “a long-term commitment, rooted in respect, responsibility, and a genuine love for the game”.

Morecambe are 22nd in the National League, having gone into pre-season with five registered players.

The Independent Football Regulator (IFR), which was not in place when the takeover went through, said it would “urgently” assess the situation at the club. “We are working with relevant authorities and using our statutory information gathering powers to look into this matter urgently,” a spokesperson said.

The IFR this week announced it would be bringing forward the introduction of a new owners’ and directors’ test for the English game to next Friday to assess potential “unsuitable incumbents”. New prospective owners and directors will need to take the test from May.

A post on Rehal’s LinkedIn page shows him collecting an award in parliament last week from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs for, in his words, “pioneering representation and leadership in sport for the Sikh and Panjabi community”. In the post, he writes: “This recognition is more than an award it is a reminder of the responsibility we carry. Panjab Warriors will continue to open doors, break ceilings, and create pathways for the next generation.”