Involvement in terrorism alleged against figure behind Morecambe takeover

A key figure involved in the Panjab Warriors' takeover of Morecambe FC has been sanctioned by the UK government amid accusations of links to terrorist activities. Gurpreet Singh Rehal, who previously pledged "discipline, trust, and compassion" to the club's supporters, is alleged to have provided funding, recruited members, and supplied weapons to the banned militant groups Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar, both of which seek an independent Sikh state in Punjab, India.

The takeover, led by Panjab Warriors and primarily funded by principal shareholder Kuljeet Singh Momi, was completed in August following months of legal negotiations with the former owner, Jason Whittingham. Fans had welcomed the acquisition, which saved the club from potential collapse after suspension from the National League due to unpaid debts and salaries.

The Treasury has frozen Rehals UK assets and prohibited him from serving as a company director. A government statement confirmed: "The UK has today announced an asset freeze and director disqualification against Gurpreet Singh Rehal, who is suspected of belonging to organisations involved in terrorism in India."

Morecambe FC and Panjab Warriors have publicly distanced themselves from Rehal, clarifying that he only held a consultancy role in marketing and communications and had no decision-making authority within the club. "Following serious concerns, we took immediate action and his association with both organisations has been fully removed," their statement said.

During the takeover announcement, Rehal appeared in a BBC interview as Panjab Warriors' head of communications alongside CEO Ropinder Singh. He described the group as committed to transparency and ethical ownership, frequently referring to "we" despite not holding formal ownership or director status in the club.

In explaining the sanctions, the Treasury highlighted that this is the first application of the Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime targeting funding for Babbar Khalsa. Labour MP and Treasury economic secretary Lucy Rigby emphasized the UK's commitment to preventing the exploitation of its financial system by terrorist actors: "This landmark action demonstrates our readiness to use every available tool to cut off financing for terrorism and support peaceful communities."

Under UK law, it is now illegal to provide Rehal with financial services or funds. Despite this, he was recently seen engaging with National League CEO Phil Alexander on behalf of Morecambe FC.

Sources:

• Morecambe takeover figure accused of terrorism involvement