National League club remove consultant amid sanctions over suspected terrorism involvement

Morecambe have released a statement after a figure at the forefront of their takeover was sanctioned over suspected terrorist links.

Gurpreet Singh Rehal, referred to as the director of marketing and communications of the National League club’s owner, Panjab Warriors, has had his individual assets frozen.

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

A statement released by HM Treasury on Thursday confirmed that Singh has also been handed a director’s disqualification.

This means he is banned from taking part in management at UK companies, while his UK assets have also been frozen.

The landmark action is part of the first use of the Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime to disrupt the Pro-Khalistan militant group’s funding.

Singh’s name was attached to Morecambe’s takeover announcement in June, but his role does not feature on their website.

On Companies House, he is also not listed as a director or person of significant control (PSC) at either the Shrimps or Panjab Warriors.

Government sanction Morecambe takeover figure

A statement read from Morecambe 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.

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“Both organisations operate under strict governance and compliance standards, and we have used this moment to further strengthen our internal processes, including enhanced due diligence checks for key personnel.

“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.

“As per long-standing policy, we will not comment further on individuals who are no longer engaged by the club.”

As mentioned, Singh was at the forefront of Morecambe’s summer takeover announcement, described as the ‘Head of Communications’.

He was also the sole representative of the Panjab Warriors ownership group in the images shared by the club’s media team.

Last week, Singh was even pictured alongside MPs Preet Gill and Jas Athwal receiving an award in Parliament on behalf of Panjab Warriors.

He joined Kuljeet Singh Momi, Morecambe chairman, at the Houses of Parliament after the club’s owners were recognised for pioneering representation and leadership in sport for the Sikh and Panjabi community.

As recently as Tuesday, Singh revealed on his LinkedIn page that he met with National League CEO Phil Alexander on Morecambe duty.

He posted pictures alongside the former Crystal Palace CEO and local Labour MP, Lizzi Collinge, who was wearing a Morecambe scarf.

The UK’s independent football regulator (IFR) was not operational when Morecambe’s takeover deal was approved by the EFL.

As a result, any application involving Singh did not have to be examined because he was not listed as a director or a shareholder.

A spokesperson from the IFR said: “We are working with relevant authorities and using our statutory information gathering powers to look into this matter urgently.”

The Treasury was asked whether the sanctions affect Morecambe, but it declined to comment, as per The Athletic.