The long-awaited sale of Morecambe Football Club has been cleared by the English Football League.
The club and prospective new owners Panjab Warriors announced on Friday that the takeover is set to be "finalised in the coming days".
The Shrimps have been up for sale since September 2 2022, a period of 1008 days to date.
A statement from Panjab Warriors via the club on Friday said: "Morecambe Football Club to welcome new ownership under Panjab Warriors.
"Panjab Warriors is delighted to announce that it has received clearance from the English Football League (EFL) to proceed with the acquisition of Morecambe Football Club — marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the club’s proud history.
"Kuljeet Singh Momi and his Panjab Warriors team will now finalise the deal in the coming days.
"Since mid-2024, Panjab Warriors have been providing financial support and outlining a vision built on sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term success."
Gurpreet Singh, head of communications for Panjab Warriors, said: "This is more than a business venture; it’s a commitment to the fans, the town, and the future of Morecambe FC.
"Our aim is to build upon the club’s rich heritage, ensuring stability and fostering unity across all parts of the community.
"Panjab Warriors would like to extend their thanks to the club and its board of directors for their co-operation in obtaining EFL approval, and also to the EFL for their patience and support in getting to this stage."
The new ownership group has pledged to strengthen relationships with local organisations, supporters’ groups and community leaders.
Panjab Warriors also said they intend to explore partnerships with sustainability-focused initiatives — including local environmental projects — as part of a wider commitment to responsible club operations.
They said financial discipline and fan-first decision-making will be at the heart of the club’s approach, "as Panjab Warriors looks to build something lasting and meaningful — on and off the pitch".
Mr Singh said: "We believe Morecambe FC’s best days lie ahead.
"But actions speak louder than words - by working together with the board, the Shrimps Trust and the wider fanbase, we will look to deliver consistently, listen deeply, and put supporters at the heart of everything we do.
"This is a long-term commitment, rooted in respect, responsibility, and a genuine love for the game.
"In the interests of transparency and until final due diligence and contracts are finalised, we are not in a position to say anything further at this stage. However, once we are in this position we are looking forward to meeting with supporters and media to update via the appropriate channels.”
An EFL spokesperson confirmed on Friday that Panjab Warriors had received clearance from the league.
Over the past few years there has been a great deal of unrest among supporters over how long the sale process was taking - including protests on match days.
A deal between the prospective owners and current owners Bond Group was agreed last summer, but had to be confirmed by the English Football League (EFL).
Any new owner has to satisfy EFL regulations which include the Owners and Directors’ Test self-declaration, providing Future Financial Information, along with evidencing the source and sufficiency of any funding.
During the time the club has been up for sale, Morecambe dropped two divisions from League One back down to non-league football, and will start the upcoming season in the National League.
There have also been concerns among supporters for the future of the club unless the sale was completed.
Morecambe FC will no longer be members of the EFL tomorrow (Saturday June 7) and on the day will be ratified as members of the National League at their Annual General Meeting.
Earlier this month, in a meeting between club officials and official supporters group the Shrimps Trust, Morecambe FC directors said: ‘’The sale does now appear to be progressing toward a conclusion and a draft conditions letter and secure funding agreement supplied to all parties by the EFL (English Football League) is now under final review.
“In the interim, the current owner has confirmed a budget that will enable the manager (Derek Adams) to bring in new players and the manager is working hard to do so.”
A spokesperson for the Shrimps Trust said today that they welcomed the news that Panjab Warriors had EFL clearance to buy the club.
"We understand that the sale is due to formally complete next week and we will continue to maintain regular contact with all parties involved until the sale is finalised.
"We are encouraged by Panjab Warriors' stated commitment to engaging with supporters, something we believe is essential to the long term success of our beloved club."
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