National League confirm its acceptance of Morecambe’s takeover and explain what happens now

The National League confirm its acceptance of Morecambe’s takeover by Panjab Warriors and explain what happens now.

Morecambe can compete in the National League once the signed sale agreement is received, with the first game against Altrincham on the 23rd of August.

This comes after the club had their first three games postponed, with uncertainty over the takeover saga. The transfer embargo remains until all creditors (including players, staff, and HMRC) are paid.

The National League can confirm that following a meeting of the Club Compliance and Licensing committee earlier today, the takeover of Morecambe Football Club by the consortium known as Panjab Warriors has been approved.

— Enterprise National League (@NL_Enterprise) August 17, 2025

A league statement posted on Sunday 17th August: “The National League can confirm its acceptance of the takeover of Morecambe Football Club.

“The National League can confirm that following a meeting of their Club Compliance and Licensing committee earlier today, the takeover of the Club by the consortium known as Panjab Warriors Ltd has been approved.

“The suspension of Morecambe FC will therefore be immediately lifted on receipt of the signed Sale and Purchase agreement.

“However, the transfer embargo will remain until all football creditors, including players, staff and HMRC have been paid and payments due under the Sale and Purchase agreement have been satisfied.

“It is the intention for Morecambe’s first National League game to be on Saturday 23 August at home against Altrincham FC.

“The National League would like to welcome the new owners and to thank everybody involved in helping to secure the future of the Club and reaching this point.”

Bond Group Investments can now confirm that it has sold its majority shareholding in Morecambe Football Club to Panjab Warriors.#UTS 🦐

— Morecambe FC (@MorecambeFC) August 17, 2025

A statement has been issued on the club website on Sunday evening: “Bond Group Investments can now confirm that it has sold its majority shareholding in Morecambe Football Club to Panjab Warriors.

“Particular thanks to Rob Smith, Oliver Wilson-Fish, Martin Thomas and Derek Adams for their consistent professionalism and support throughout this process. Also thanks to the Club staff, Sponsors, Stakeholders and the National League.

“Acknowledgement must be given to Antony Antorkas at Parker Andrews Insolvency Practitioners, along with his team, for their invaluable advice and support over the past few weeks.

“I would urge all fans of the Club to now focus their energy into supporting the Club as it enters the next chapter of its story.”

Following news of the sale completing, please see the below update from the Shrimps Trust 🦐 pic.twitter.com/RFQC9tWxiJ

— Shrimps Trust 🦐 (@shrimpstrust) August 17, 2025

This is what social media users had to say as the National League confirm its acceptance of Morecambe’s takeover and explain what happens now…

SHRIMPS TRUST STATEMENT:

We are relieved that the sale of Morecambe Football Club Limited has finally been completed, safeguarding the immediate future of the club, its remaining staff, and our participation in the National League this season.

We note that although we have confirmed the sale has been concluded, further steps are expected tomorrow to conclude National League requirements to lift our suspension.

We warmly welcome Panjab Warriors and the Sikh community as the new custodians of our football club, the first in professional English football, and we thank them for their perseverance in securing the deal. Chardi Kala, a Punjabi term meaning a state of optimism even in the face of adversity, has certainly been shown in abundance over recent weeks.

As first-time owners of a football club, there will no doubt be challenges and learning experiences ahead. As the official supporters’ trust of Morecambe Football Club, we will continue to play our part in sustaining an outstanding, modern and professional club at the heart of Morecambe. This experience has reinforced our core aim: to protect and uphold Morecambe FC as a sustainable community asset. That commitment remains as strong today as ever.

We place on record our thanks to our point of contact at the National League for their invaluable support during recent weeks, and to the minority shareholders who have worked tirelessly alongside us to secure the club’s immediate future. We also wish to thank the FSA, Fair Game, Lizzi Collinge, DCMS, and MPs for their support, along with the many media outlets who have given our plight much-needed national and international coverage.

Finally, thank you to the wider football community. With record-breaking membership numbers and unprecedented donations, we have felt the love from every corner of the world. We have been reassured that arrangements are being made for staff to be paid and for creditors to be settled, which includes HMRC. Tomorrow, the rebuilding begins. Most importantly, on a Saturday at 3pm we will stand together, one family and one community, to watch eleven players face eleven players.

“This isn’t just football, It’s Morecambe. Stronger together.”