Key player in Morecambe FC takeover by Panjab Warriors sanctioned by UK government over supporting terrorist group

Gurpreet Singh Rehal was head of communications for Panjab Warriors and among those at the forefront of the takeover of Morecambe FC earlier this year.

It is believed by the government that Rehal is involved in terrorist activities ranging from recruitment to financial support and weapons purchasing for the Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar groups.

This is the first use of the Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime to disrupt funding for Pro-Khalistan militant group Babbar Khalsa.

Rehal’s assets have been frozen, and he is banned from running UK companies.

HM Treasury assesses Rehal is involved in Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar’s terrorist activities, including promoting and encouraging, carrying out recruitment activities for, providing financial services to as well as supporting and assisting those organisations, including through purchasing weapons and other military material.

HM Treasury also assesses that Babbar Akali Lehar is associated with, and involved in, Babbar Khalsa’s terrorist activities by promoting and encouraging and carrying out recruitment activities for the group and itself.

All funds and economic resources in the UK owned, held or controlled by Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar are now subject to an asset freeze.

These designations will prevent all UK persons and entities from dealing with any funds or economic resources owned, held or controlled by either Rehal or Babbar Akali Lehar; or making funds, economic resources and financial services available to or for their benefit.

This includes any of the entities they own or control, without a licence from HM Treasury or an applicable exception.

Rehal is also subject to director disqualification sanctions which prohibit him from acting as a director of a company or directly or indirectly taking part in or being concerned in the promotion, formation or management of a company.

The action is the result of close collaboration between HM Treasury and policing partners, demonstrating the government’s determination to protect both national security and the peaceful communities affected by terrorism.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby KC MP 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. The UK stands firmly with peaceful communities against those who promote violence and hatred.”

Violations carry penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment on indictment, or civil penalties of up to £1m or 50% of the breach value – whichever is greater.

A joint statement released by Morecambe FC and Panjab Warriors said: “An individual who previously held a consultancy role in marketing and communications with our organisations is no longer affiliated with either Morecambe FC or Panjab Warriors.

“This consultancy position carried no strategic, financial or operational authority, and he had no involvement in the ownership or club decision making.

“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.

“Both organisations operate under strict governance and compliance standards, and we have used this moment to further strengthen our internal processes, including enhanced due diligence checks for key personnel.

"We will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities and in full alignment with all regulatory requirements.

“We remain firmly committed to ensuring our clubs uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and community values.

“As per long-standing policy, we will not comment further on individuals who are no longer engaged by the club.”

An Independent Football Regulator spokesperson said: “We are working with relevant authorities and using our statutory information gathering powers to look into this matter urgently.”

A statement from the Shrimps Trust, the official body which represents Morecambe fans, said: ‘’The trust acknowledges recent reports and consequent statements from the club and Panjab Warriors. We have been given assurances that the person in question is no longer involved.

‘’We are in contact with the FSA, the National League, and representatives of the club. We will continue to monitor the situation and act accordingly.’’

Morecambe MP Lizzi Collinge said: “I am shocked and horrified that a communications officer previously involved with Morecambe FC, Gurpeet Singh Rehal, is suspected of funding a Pro-Khalistan terrorist group.

“The Government has taken immediate action to freeze his assets and ban him from running any UK companies.

"Every possible measure must be taken to cut off funding and keep people safe from terrorism. I’m glad to see that the Government is prepared to use any tool at its disposal to choke off funding for terrorism wherever it occurs.

“I’m sure everyone at Morecambe FC, not least the fans, are just as shocked as I am to learn of this development. The fan community in Morecambe is a family and having had a very tough year, I know everyone just wants to focus on the game. I am appalled that yet again the fans are suffering from others’ alleged actions.

“I have asked for a briefing from the Government to ensure I understand the full background and details of the case.”