Morecambe Cleared to Start Season After Takeover Approval

Morecambe FC have been cleared to begin their National League campaign after the club’s takeover by the Panjab Warriors consortium was approved.

The Shrimps had been suspended from the league and forced to postpone their opening three fixtures, but the National League’s Club Compliance and Licensing Committee confirmed the suspension will be lifted once the final paperwork from the sale is received.

The club remains under a transfer embargo until all football creditors — including players, staff and HMRC — are paid using funds from the takeover.

Morecambe, who were relegated from the English Football League last season, are now scheduled to host Altrincham on Saturday in what would be their first competitive fixture of the campaign.

The club has been up for sale since 2022. On Friday, outgoing owners Bond Group and incoming buyers Panjab Warriors confirmed an agreement had finally been reached following mediation.

Although the EFL had approved the takeover in June, the deal stalled over the summer despite both sides announcing agreed terms in July. The delay prompted pressure from politicians, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer both urging owner Jason Whittingham to sell in order to safeguard the club’s future.

The National League’s confirmation now brings the long-running saga closer to a resolution, paving the way for a belated start to Morecambe’s season.