"his association with both organisations has been fully removed."
A key figure involved in the takeover that saved Morecambe FC from administration has been sanctioned by the British government over alleged links to pro-Khalistan groups.
Gurpreet Singh Rehal held a consultancy role at Panjab Warriors during the completion of its takeover of the club, following a months-long legal dispute with former owner Jason Whittingham.
But on December 4, HM Treasury announced sanctions against Rehal over alleged links to Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar.
The groups seek to establish an independent Sikh state in Punjab, India. Both groups are designated as international terrorist organisations by the UK.
A HM Treasury spokesperson said: “Rehal is involved in… promoting and encouraging, carrying out recruitment activities for, providing financial services to as well as supporting and assisting those organisations, including through purchasing weapons and other military material.
“HM Treasury also assesses that Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with, and involved in, Babbar Khalsa’s terrorist activities by promoting and encouraging and carrying out recruitment activities for the group and itself.”
The sanctions mean Rehal’s UK assets have been frozen and he is banned from serving as a director of any British company.
In a joint statement, Morecambe FC and Panjab Warriors said they have distanced themselves from Rehal:
“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.”
Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby KC MP said: “We will not stand by while terrorists exploit Britain’s financial system.
“This landmark action shows we are prepared to use every tool at our disposal to choke off funding for terrorism – wherever it occurs and whoever is responsible.
“The UK stands firmly with peaceful communities against those who promote violence and hatred.”
The new Independent Football Regulator has also said it is taking urgent action following Rehal’s sanction.
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 regulator was not operational when the takeover of Morecambe FC was completed six months ago.
Morecambe FC fans were”ecstatic” in August after owners Bond Group and investment firm Panjab Warriors agreed a deal for the sale of the club – saving them from collapse.
After a meeting of the league’s Club Compliance and Licensing committee on August 17, the takeover was formally approved, and the club’s suspension from the National League was lifted.
It came after months of financial turmoil and the threat of expulsion from the division.
Panjab Warriors promised stability and a return to form for Morecambe FC, which was relegated from League Two during the 2024/25 season for the first time in 18 years.
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