Overview
- HM Treasury designated Gurpreet Singh Rehal under the Counter‑Terrorism (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, imposing an asset freeze and a director disqualification after assessing links to the proscribed Babbar Khalsa.
- The government also listed Babbar Akali Lehar, freezing its UK assets and blocking UK persons from dealing with funds or providing services without a Treasury licence.
- Officials described the action as the first use of the Domestic Counter‑Terrorism Regime to disrupt financing connected to a pro‑Khalistan militant group.
- Morecambe FC and Panjab Warriors said Rehal held only a consultancy role with no strategic, financial or operational authority and that he is no longer affiliated with either organisation.
- The Independent Football Regulator said it is working with authorities, using statutory information‑gathering powers to assess the club, and bringing forward a new owners’ and directors’ test to next Friday, with prospective applicants required to take it from May.