Culture Secretary Urges Morecambe Owner to Sell Amid Club Suspension, Financial Crisis

Morecambe FC faces imminent collapse due to ongoing financial difficulties and delayed ownership transfer. Owner Jason Whittingham has been urged repeatedly by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and local MP Lizzi Collinge to finalize a sale to prospective buyers Panjab Warriors, who are prepared to cover wages, debts, and invest a seven-figure sum. Despite talks lasting over a year, Whittingham remains vague on the delay while Panjab Warriors assert they are ready and have reached out daily to complete the acquisition. The club has been suspended from the National League until August 20, with staff ceasing work due to unpaid wages and players leaving, while the academy is paused but not dismantled. Nandy emphasized the need for owners to act as responsible custodians and called for a new football regulator to prevent such crises, though it will not be operational in time to assist Morecambe. Without immediate action, Morecambe FC risks shutting down by early August, threatening the club’s 105-year legacy and the local community's football future.