Morecambe hit with warning from independent regulator after owners ignore requests

The independent football regulator has taken its first formal action since becoming law, issuing a warning notice to Morecambe after the club's owners failed to answer repeated requests for information. The IFR confirmed it had sent the warning to Morecambe Football Club Limited and to directors Kuljit Singh and Harjit Singh. According to the regulator, the owners did not respond to two separate requests made under section 65 of the Football Governance Act without providing a reasonable excuse. A statement from the IFR said it has provisionally determined that the owners breached information requirements and, as a result, the regulator is inclined to issue a censure statement against both individuals and the club itself. A censure statement is a public rebuke that allows the IFR to name clubs, owners, directors or senior executives who fail to meet licensing standards. The regulator also has the power to impose financial penalties, seek court injunctions, and even suspend or revoke a club's operating licence. The IFR's jurisdiction covers clubs down to the National League level. Although Morecambe were relegated to National League North last season, the regulator still has authority to enforce its rules. Morecambe were taken over by the Panjab Warriors consortium in August last year after exiting administration. However, the club has faced a series of financial difficulties since. In March, a transfer embargo was placed on them over a disputed payment owed to former owners Bond Group Investments, though it was lifted later that month. Around the same time, a winding-up petition was filed over unpaid supplier bills, which was eventually settled.