Morecambe FC and Panjab Warriors distance themselves from ex-consultant Gurpreet Singh Rehal after UK government sanctions over alleged terrorism involvement.
Morecambe FC Distances Itself from Sanctioned Ex-Consultant
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Morecambe FC and Panjab Warriors distance themselves from ex-consultant Gurpreet Singh Rehal after UK government sanctions over alleged terrorism involvement.
Morecambe FC Responds to Sanctions Against Former Consultant
Morecambe FC and Panjab Warriors have issued a statement distancing themselves from Gurpreet Singh Rehal, a former consultant, after he was sanctioned by the UK government over accusations of involvement in terrorism. The Treasury alleges that Rehal recruited, purchased weapons and provided finance for Babbar Khalsa and Babbar Akali Lehar, both proscribed militant groups seeking an independent Sikh state in Punjab, India.
Rehal, who previously held a consultancy role in marketing and communications with both Morecambe FC and Panjab Warriors, has had his UK assets frozen and has been banned as a company director. Morecambe and Panjab Warriors stated that the consultancy position carried no strategic, financial or operational authority and that Rehal had no involvement in the ownership or decision-making at the club. Following the emergence of these serious concerns, both organisations reported that his association had been fully removed.
The Panjab Warriors’ takeover of Morecambe was finalised in August, following a legal battle with the club’s previous owner. On the day the takeover was confirmed, Rehal appeared in a BBC interview in his capacity as head of communications, emphasising the group’s commitment to transparency and ethical ownership. However, the club’s recent statement clarified that Rehal was not listed as a director or shareholder in official accounts and reiterated that he was only an external consultant.
Key points
- Gurpreet Singh Rehal sanctioned by UK government for alleged terrorism involvement
- Rehal’s assets frozen and banned as company director
- Morecambe FC and Panjab Warriors state Rehal had no decision-making authority
- Rehal is no longer affiliated with either organisation
The context
The sanctions against Rehal mark the first use of the Domestic Counter-Terrorism Regime to disrupt funding for the pro-Khalistan group Babbar Khalsa. Morecambe FC, recently acquired by Panjab Warriors, had been facing financial uncertainty before the takeover was completed. The club and its new owners have moved to sever ties with Rehal in light of the government’s actions, aiming to reassure supporters and stakeholders of their commitment to ethical governance.
Labour MP and economic secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby stated that the UK government is prepared to use all available tools to prevent the exploitation of Britain’s financial system by those involved in terrorism. The situation continues to unfold, with Morecambe FC having been contacted for further comment.
