Independent Football Regulator Issues Warning Notice to Morecambe Owners Over Information Breach

The Independent Football Regulator has issued a warning notice to Morecambe FC and its owners after they failed to respond to formal requests for information relating to the running of the club.

The action marks the first enforcement measure taken by the regulator since the Football Governance Act came into force a year ago.

According to the regulator, Morecambe directors Kuljit Singh and Harjit Singh did not respond to two information requests issued under Section 65 of the Act.

In a statement, the IFR said: "The IFR has issued a warning notice to Morecambe Football Club Limited and to the club's two owners.

"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."

A censure statement allows the Independent Football Regulator to publicly identify clubs, owners, directors or senior executives who fail to comply with licensing requirements.

The regulator also has a range of enforcement powers available, including the ability to impose financial penalties, seek court injunctions requiring compliance and, in more serious cases, suspend or revoke a club’s operating licence.

The IFR’s jurisdiction extends to clubs competing in the National League. Although Morecambe was relegated to the National League North at the end of last season, the club remains subject to the regulator’s oversight.

Morecambe was acquired out of administration by the Panjab Warriors Consortium in August last year.

The club has continued to face financial challenges in recent months. In March, Morecambe was placed under a transfer embargo following a dispute over a payment owed to former owners Bond Group Investments, although the restriction was lifted before the end of the month.

During the same period, the club was also served with a winding-up petition relating to unpaid supplier debts, a matter which was subsequently resolved.