The independent football regulator has issued a warning notice to Morecambe after their owners twice failed to respond to requests for information about the running of the club – the first such action since the Football Governance Act became law a year ago.
The IFR named directors Kuljit Singh and Harjit Singh as the individuals who did not reply to two requests made under section 65 of the Act. "The IFR has issued a warning notice to Morecambe Football Club Limited and to the club's two owners," a statement read. "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."
“Morecambe issued warning notice by regulator after owners fail to respond to information requests.”
A censure statement allows the regulator to publicly name clubs, owners, directors or senior executives who fail to meet licensing standards. Beyond that, the IFR's powers include financial penalties, court injunctions demanding compliance, and suspension or revocation of a club's operating licence. Its remit extends to clubs in the National League, meaning Morecambe – relegated to National League North last season – remain within its jurisdiction.
The club has endured a turbulent year off the pitch. Morecambe were bought out of administration last August by the Panjab Warriors consortium, but in March they were placed under a transfer embargo over a disputed payment due to former owners Bond Group Investments, which was lifted by the end of the month. Also in March, the club were served with a winding-up petition over unpaid bills to suppliers, a case that was eventually resolved.
Now, with the first formal warning from the IFR on the table, the question is whether Morecambe's owners will comply before the regulator moves to escalate – potentially triggering penalties that could further destabilise a club already fighting for survival on and off the field.