Morecambe respond after Independent Football Regulator issues warning notice

Morecambe have issued a statement after the Independent Football Regulator (IFR) served a warning notice on the club and its two directors over an alleged failure to comply with information requests.

The warning notice, announced on Wednesday, relates to alleged breaches of information requirements under Section 65 of the Football Governance Act by club directors Kuljit Singh and Harjit Singh.

It marks the first enforcement action taken by the IFR since the Act came into force last year.

In a statement, the regulator said: “It has been provisionally determined that the owners breached information requirements imposed upon them without reasonable excuse and, in accordance with the Football Governance Act, the IFR is therefore minded to issue a censure statement against these individuals and the club.”

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Regulator

A censure statement allows the IFR to publicly name clubs, owners, directors or senior executives who fail to meet licensing standards.

The regulator also has powers including financial penalties, court injunctions demanding compliance and the suspension or revocation of a club’s operating licence.

The IFR’s remit extends to clubs in the National League. Although Morecambe were relegated to National League North last season, the regulator is still able to enforce its regulations.

Responding on Thursday night, Morecambe said they were disappointed by the regulator’s decision and insisted they had cooperated fully throughout the process.

A club statement read: “Morecambe Football Club and its two directors acknowledge the warning notice issued by the Independent Football Regulator (“IFR”).”

Disappointed

It continued: “Whilst the club and its owners can confirm that they fully support and respect the regulator’s oversight of the football industry, they are disappointed by the decision to issue this warning notice, particularly in light of the extensive cooperation, transparency and engagement demonstrated by both the club and its directors throughout the regulatory process.

“The club and its owners strongly dispute that a warning notice is justified in the circumstances.

“They consider that insufficient weight has been given to the significant mitigating factors, the unprecedented operational challenges inherited following the acquisition of the club in August 2025, and the considerable efforts made to work constructively with the IFR at every stage.”

“Notwithstanding that this alleged breach is at the IFR’s lowest level of seriousness, the club and its directors are taking legal advice and will submit detailed representations within the 14-day period prescribed by the IFR.

“They remain confident that those representations will demonstrate why no further regulatory action is warranted.”

Optimism

Morecambe thanked supporters, sponsors and staff for their backing and said they remained committed to engaging with supporter groups “via appropriate and professional channels”.

The Shrimps were bought out of administration by the Panjab Warriors consortium last August after a turbulent period under previous owners Bond Group Investments.

Since then, the club has also overcome a transfer embargo and a winding-up petition as it prepares for its first season in National League North.

The statement concluded: “Following the club’s rescue last August by Panjab Warriors, the club and its owners are proud of the many positive steps taken in recent months both on and off the pitch in preparation for the new 2026/27 football season and are looking forward to it with renewed optimism.”

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