UK Gov rap for former Shrimps consult

By Harry Whitfield

MORECAMBE FC and their owners, Panjab Warriors, have distanced themselves from one of the key figures at the forefront of their summer takeover who has been sanctioned by the UK Government over alleged links to terrorist organisations.

Consultant Gurpreet Singh Rehal, referred to as the Warriors’ director of marketing and communications, has had his UK assets frozen by HM Treasury and has also been disqualified as a director.

It is believed his alleged involvement in terrorist activities ranges from promoting, recruitment, financial support and weapons, purchasing for the Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar groups.

Rehal has never appeared as a director or person of significant control at either Morecambe FC or Panjab Warriors, and the National League club’s website has never listed any role for him.

However, he was the ownership group’s public representative during the club’s takeover in August and continued to appear at football meetings and public events on their behalf, as recently as this week.

On Friday, Morecambe FC and Panjab Warriors said in a joint statement that they no longer have any association with Rehal.

It read: “An individual who previously held a consultancy role in marketing and communications with our organisations is no longer affiliated with either Morecambe FC or Panjab Warriors.

“This consultancy position carried no strategic, financial, or operational authority, and he had no involvement in the ownership or club decision-making.

“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.”

The statement concluded: “We will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities and in full alignment with all regulatory requirements.

“We remain firmly committed to ensuring our clubs uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and community values.”