A key figure involved in the recent takeover of Morecambe FC has been sanctioned by the UK government following allegations of association with terrorist organisations. Gurpreet Singh Rehal, who publicly fronted the Panjab Warriors’ ownership bid promising “discipline, trustfulness and compassion,” now faces asset freezes and a ban from serving as a company director.
Rehal played a visible role in the club’s acquisition, which was completed in August after prolonged legal disputes with former owner Jason Whittingham. However, the Treasury alleges that Rehal participated in recruitment, weapon procurement and funding activities on behalf of Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar—Sikh militant groups proscribed under UK law and seeking to establish an independent state in the Punjab region of India.
A government statement said the sanctions were imposed under the Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime, marking the first time it has been used to target financing related to Pro-Khalistan militancy.
In response, both Morecambe FC and Panjab Warriors released a joint statement clarifying Rehal’s position and severing ties with him. They said he had previously held only a consultancy role in marketing and communications, with no decision-making power or involvement in strategy, finance or operational control.
“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 read.
The BBC has requested further comment from Morecambe FC.
The Panjab Warriors’ acquisition was initially met with optimism from supporters, who feared for the club’s survival after unpaid debts and wages left Morecambe facing expulsion from the National League. Funding was eventually secured, largely through principal shareholder Kuljeet Singh Momi, and ownership was confirmed shortly before a financial deadline.
Rehal was front and centre on takeover day, coordinating media duties and conducting what was presented as the group’s first public interview alongside CEO Ropinder Singh. He was not listed as a director or shareholder, yet repeatedly referred to the ownership group as “we,” despite later clarification that he was an external consultant.
In that early appearance, Rehal spoke of transparency, heritage and ethical leadership: “We’ll be so transparent, you’re going to be sick of us… Our culture, our faith, our heritage make us who we are. All we want to say is—trust us.”
Announcing the measures, Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby 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.”
It is now illegal to provide Rehal with funding or financial services. Notably, earlier this week he was pictured meeting National League CEO Phil Alexander in an apparent representative capacity for Morecambe—raising further questions about how involved he was behind the scenes.
The takeover that once symbolised hope for the club’s future now carries a new layer of complexity, as Morecambe’s new era begins under the cloud of serious allegations and government intervention.
