Morecambe has responded to the warning notice served by the Independent Football Regulator.

Morecambe FC has said it is taking legal advice after becoming the first club to receive a warning notice from the Independent Football Regulator (IFR).

It was announced this week that a notice had been served on Morecambe Football Club Limited and two of the club’s directors, Kuljit Singh Momi and Harjit Singh under section 76 of the Football Governance Act.

Under section 65 of the Act, a request for information had been submitted to the club in February 2026 but it failed to meet a deadline the following month to provide that detail.

While the notice acknowledged Momi provided an email response in April, it said the reply did not fully address the questions previously asked.

It added a new deadline of April 14 was not met before an investigation notice was served in June, requiring the missing information to be provided along with an explanation for non-compliance by June 12.

The notice said Momi sent an email on the 12th to say a detailed and comprehensive response would be provided by the 15th.

An email was received on the 16th, which the IFR said contained some of the missing information but leaving other questions unanswered.

It was deemed there had been a breach of information requirements under section 65 of the Football Governance Act, though it was noted the club had said it had been dealing with issues including changes at senior management and board level, ill health of senior personnel and taking full stock of the club’s situation which made it hard to meet deadlines.

The respondents have 14 days or no later than 5pm on July 28 to make representations regarding the notice which, in Morecambe’s case, the club plans to do.

It issued a statement on Thursday evening, saying: “Whilst the club and its owners can confirm that they fully support and respect the regulator’s oversight of the football industry, they are disappointed by the decision to issue this warning notice, particularly in light of the extensive cooperation, transparency and engagement demonstrated by both the club and its directors throughout the regulatory process.

“The club and its owners strongly dispute that a warning notice is justified in the circumstances.

“They consider that insufficient weight has been given to the significant mitigating factors, the unprecedented operational challenges inherited following the acquisition of the club in August 2025 and the considerable efforts made to work constructively with the IFR at every stage.

“Notwithstanding that this alleged breach is at the IFR’s lowest level of seriousness, the club and its directors are taking legal advice and will submit detailed representations within the 14-day period prescribed by the IFR.

“They remain confident that those representations will demonstrate why no further regulatory action is warranted.”

Speaking before the club issued its response, the Shrimps Trust fans’ group had called on the club’s owners to give fans ‘clarity and reassurance’ with the National League North season three weeks away

It said: “The Shrimps Trust notes the publication of the Independent Football Regulator’s warning notice relating to Morecambe Football Club and its owners.

“Whilst this is not a final determination and those named have the opportunity to make further representations, the findings outlined within the notice will understandably concern supporters.

“Trust representatives have been in contact with all parties involved yesterday and today. We believe it is important that the club’s ownership group, including Harjit Singh and Kuljit Singh Momi, adopts a transparent and responsible approach in the coming days and provides supporters with the clarity and reassurance they deserve.

“The Trust recognises the positive steps taken in recent months to diversify the club’s commercial revenue streams, together with the planning and preparation that has gone into the forthcoming season.

“However, developments such as this risk undermining the optimism that has begun to build amongst supporters at a time when the fanbase is looking forward with renewed hope.

“The Trust is currently entering a period of transition with responsibilities being handed over to those trustees who will remain in post beyond July 31.

“However, given the significance of this matter and the level of concern amongst supporters, we have no doubt that this issue will remain a priority for the Trust in the weeks ahead.

“As always, our focus remains on representing the interests of supporters and ensuring that fans and Trust members are kept informed as developments unfold.”