The UK government has frozen the financial assets of a key figure in Morecambe FC's ownership group after he was accused of supporting a terrorist organisation. The Treasury announced on Thursday that Gurpreet Singh Rehal, previously described as head of communications and director of marketing for the club’s owner, Panjab Warriors, had been assessed as promoting and recruiting for Babbar Khalsa, a Sikh separatist militant group proscribed in the UK.
Morecambe and Panjab Warriors issued a joint statement confirming they had severed all professional ties 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, pledging to enhance internal due diligence procedures.
Rehal played a prominent role in the Panjab Warriors takeover earlier this year, describing it as “more than a business venture” and “a long-term commitment, rooted in respect, responsibility, and a genuine love for the game”. The club, currently 22nd in the National League, had only five registered players going into pre-season.
The Independent Football Regulator (IFR), which was not in place at the time of the takeover, stated it would “urgently” assess the situation. “We are working with relevant authorities and using our statutory information gathering powers to look into this matter urgently,” a spokesperson said. The IFR also announced it would bring forward the introduction of a new owners’ and directors’ test to next Friday, to assess potential “unsuitable incumbents”.
Rehal's LinkedIn page showed him collecting an award last week from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for British Sikhs for “pioneering representation and leadership in sport for the Sikh and Panjabi community”. In the post, he wrote: “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.”
