The National League says Morecambe FC's suspension will be lifted and they could play again as early as next weekend - but only if a deal to sell the club is finalised.
The league said on Sunday they had approved a long-awaited takeover of the Shrimps by investment company Panjab Warriors.
The league also said that a transfer embargo preventing the Shrimps from signing new players would remain in place until creditors are paid - including Morecambe FC staff who have only received a third of their June wages and none of their July salaries.
In a statement on Sunday, the National League said:
"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."
The English Football League (EFL) also approved the takeover, in early June.
The Shrimps had already been relegated to the National League, the top tier of non-league football, at the end of last season, but officially became members of the new league after the EFL gave clearance for Panjab Warriors to acquire the club.
But with the deal not done, and amid concerns over the cash-strapped club's ability to meet its financial commitments for the season, the league suspended Morecambe on July 28, meaning their first three scheduled league matches of the new season could not go ahead.
At the time, they said: "The committee will meet again on Wednesday August 20 to determine if outstanding items have been satisfied, and to decide the club’s ability to retain membership in the competition."
Sunday's developments come just days after it was announced that club owners Bond Group Investments and Panjab Warriors had again come to an agreement on the sale.
A joint statement on Thursday said "an agreement has been reached in principle for the transfer of majority shareholding in Morecambe Football Club Ltd".
They said this followed "constructive discussions and a shared commitment to securing the future of the club".
"Both parties have agreed to a structured settlement that ensures a smooth and fair transition," continued the statement.
"This agreement reflects the willingness of both sides to compromise in the best interests of Morecambe FC, its supporters, and the wider community. It paves the way for continued stability and a positive future both on and off the pitch.
"Final legal documentation will now be prepared, with immediate steps being taken to inform key stakeholders, including the National League and the club’s management team.
"Both Panjab Warriors and Bond Group would like to thank all parties involved for their patience and support during this process, and we look forward to a new chapter in the club’s history."
Bond Group previously announced on July 4 that final terms had been agreed on a deal, subject to contract, which was scheduled to complete on July 7. But this didn't happen.
Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, said on Sunday: "I'm pleased to see this approval of the new deal however I won't be celebrating until the sale is completed."
Meanwhile, two directors - club general manager Rob Smith (below) and head of finance Oliver Wilson Fish - have been appointed to Morecambe Football Club.Limited, the Shrimps' parent company, according to Companies House.
The company had been operating without directors since the previous board resigned on July 7, for the second time, due to the delay in the sale.
While remaining under a transfer embargo, the Shrimps also currently have only a small number of first-team regulars from last season still at the club.
During the close season, several players have left including Jamie Stott, Tom White, Harvey MacAdam and Harry Burgoyne, who all departed in recent weeks.
The Shrimps have been up for sale since September 2022.
MORECAMBE FC CRISIS: TIMELINE OF EVENTS SO FAR
Friday June 6: Panjab Warriors receive clearance from the EFL to proceed with buying Morecambe Football Club.
Friday June 27: The Morecambe FC board of directors reveal that the planned sale of the club to Panjab Warriors is on the brink of collapse. The board said owners Bond Group Investments were "considering reneging on the deal". Players and staff at the club were due to be paid their monthly salaries, but hadn't received the money from the owners.
Tuesday July 1: The board gives Bond Group an ultimatum, sell to Panjab Warriors or the club faces being put into administration. By this point, staff have been paid around a third of their wages.
Wednesday July 2: Jason Whittingham from Bond Group denies "stalling" over the deal, says he still intends to sell but that "any transfer of shares (has to be) done in a way that holds no recourse for either the club or Bond Group". He says he intends to "resolve the matter of staff salaries" and wants to "avoid administration at all costs". As such, he says he has begun the process of dismissing the board. All five board members - co-chairmen Rod Taylor and Graham Howse, and James Wakefield, Charles Appleyard and Mick Horton (below) - are terminated as directors at Companies House, although minutes of a Shrimps Trust meeting reveals all five had resigned before this.
Thursday July 3: Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale , says in Parliament that the club is "in crisis". Both she and Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, call on Bond Group to complete the sale. In a further statement, Jason Whittingham says "work continues to complete the sale process and give Morecambe Football Club the fresh start the club and its community deserve". Sponsors Bay Camera and Communications Ltd say they will stop sponsoring the club until it is sold.
Friday July 4: Mr Whittingham says the long-awaited sale will complete on Monday July 7 and that final terms have been agreed with Panjab Warriors. The board of directors, he said, have been invited back to "support the final stages of the sale process". The five directors are then reappointed. The Shrimps Trust said they had spoken to Kuljeet Singh Momi of Panjab Warriors, who confirmed an agreement had been reached. But, said the trust: "If a deal is indeed agreed, we do not understand why it needs the weekend to complete."
Monday July 7: Mr Whittingham says the sale will not complete on Monday as extra time is needed for "final items" to be signed off and "it’s likely we will need tomorrow to complete the sale.’’ In response, the board of directors resign again. Mr Whittingham also says there has been "a campaign of abuse" against him and his family on social media and this has "put off at least two potential buyers" of the football club.
Tuesday July 8: Panjab Warriors say everything is ready for them to take charge and accuse Mr Whittingham of holding the club hostage. As the new Football Governance Bill passes through the Commons, Lizzi Collinge calls on the Morecambe FC owner to "sign the damn paperwork". Morecambe beat Longridge 2-1 in their first pre-season friendly.
Wednesday July 9: Jason Whittingham says a new buyer has come forward and agreements will be signed "this evening". The Shrimps Trust respond by saying that the National League had not been made aware of the alternate buyer.
Thursday July 10: Panjab Warriors say they are "currently seeking legal advice and will begin exploring all legal avenues, including action for misrepresentation and recovery of funds". Meanwhile, events and functions at the football club are having to be cancelled, including parties for primary school leavers, due to the ongoing issues. And Lizzi Collinge MP writes to Mr Whittingham saying she is "baffled and saddened" by the situation at the club.
Friday July 11: Tarnia Elsworth of the Shrimps Trust said the club was "effectively grinding to a halt". The club is, by now, under a transfer embargo preventing them from signing new players.
Saturday July 12: Panjab Warriors has raised formal complaints with the National League. They have called for an investigation - alleging breaches of the Owners' and Directors' Test (OADT) which owners have to pass to show they are fit and proper to own a football club.
Monday July 14 In an interview with 'The Ugly Game' website, Rod Taylor, former co-chairman of Morecambe, says the club has "only days left, literally days.”
Tuesday July 15: Fans club together to raise money for a treat for the playing staff, who still have not been paid in full. Morecambe defeat Hyde United 5-2 in a pre-season friendly.
Wednesday July 16: Morecambe announce their upcoming pre-season fixture against Barrow AFC on Tuesday July 22 at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium will now be played behind closed doors.
Thursday July 17: The Shrimps Trust reveal the name of a person they say that two different sources have told them is in talks over the sale. Mr Whittingham released a statement saying "recent guesses" on the identity of a prospective new buyer of the club are "not accurate".
Friday July 18: Beyond Radio and national media visit the club to speak to former directors and fans about the crisis. Mr Whittingham releases a statement saying the consortium buying Bond Group's major shareholding in Morecambe FC is "led by Mr Jonny Cato" and that "sales agreements will be completed today" with a "further announcement to follow today". No further announcement is made.
Saturday July 19: Morecambe draw 1-1 away at Marine in a pre season friendly. Panjab Warriors "express deep concern and strongly contest yesterday’s public announcement by Mr Jason Whittingham regarding a proposed sale of Morecambe Football Club to a consortium including named individual Mr Jonny Cato".
Sunday July 20: Morecambe FC announces its pre-season friendly with Barrow, scheduled for Tuesday July 22, has been cancelled.
Monday July 21: The Shrimps Trust supporters group say that "we understand that the (Barrow) fixture on Tuesday has been cancelled as the players as a group have decided not to play until the current ownership situation is resolved" and "we support their decision".
Tuesday July 22: BBC Radio Lancashire report that they've spoken to Derek Adams, Morecambe FC manager, who says "the players are not on strike and they all trained today at the training ground. Their professionalism has been magnificent during this difficult time. We all want this situation to be resolved and the best outcome for Morecambe Football Club." Morecambe announces their game with AFC Fylde on Saturday will go ahead.
Wednesday July 23: A group of Morecambe FC shareholders issue an ultimatum to the owner - sell the club within 48 hours or face High Court action. Wright and Lord Solicitors, of Morecambe, say a 'minority shareholder' action could be taken against Bond Group Investments and Jason Whittingham in an effort to force the long-awaited sale of the Shrimps.
Friday July 25: The National League gives Mr Whittingham until noon on Monday to meet terms they'd outlined to him in writing. They are due to meet on Monday afternoon to "discuss possible further sanctions".
Saturday July 26: Morecambe draw 0-0 away at AFC Fylde in a pre-season friendly.
Sunday July 27: Jason Whittingham releases a public statement saying: "Bond Group Investments has continued to work with the consortium led by Jonny Cato in their efforts to acquire the majority shareholding in Morecambe Football Club. Whilst talks are ongoing, it is clear that continual negative press statements impacting on the club, have given them cause for concern and pause. Alongside this, Bond Group had agreed to an offer, made by a representative of, and on behalf of, the Panjab Warriors, and are ready to sell on that basis. Despite numerous attempts over the past week to contact Panjab Warriors regarding their offer, and our willingness to complete, we have not heard from them. We now urge the Panjab Warriors to make contact in an effort to complete on the sale."
Monday July 28: The planned High Court action by a group of Morecambe FC minority shareholders, hoping to force a sale of the club, has stalled. Wright and Lord Solicitors said: "Over the past week, it has proved impossible for anybody involved to directly reach any of the Panjab Warriors representatives. Without the evidential support from Panjab Warriors and their commitment to buy, any court application at this stage is futile."
The National League suspends Morecambe until August 20, affecting their first three league games of the season due to start on August 9, and also removes them from the coming season's National League Cup. The league will meet again on August 20 to discuss whether to expel the Shrimps altogether.
Tuesday July 29: Panjab Warriors, Wright and Lord Solicitors on behalf of a group of minority shareholders, the Shrimps Trust and Lizzi Collinge release a joint statement saying: "Panjab Warriors are now ready, willing and able to proceed with the purchase immediately. The funds required to clear the necessary liabilities would be met forthwith. This would see the payment of all outstanding wages and other immediate liabilities to allow the club to prepare for the season and lift the club’s suspension and embargo from the National League. The National League are aware and ready to sanction the deal and immediately lift the suspension and embargo should the sale proceed."
Morecambe's friendly match with Lancaster City, scheduled to take place that evening, is cancelled.
Wednesday July 30: A joint statement by Panjab Warriors, Wright and Lord Solicitors on behalf of a group of minority shareholders, the Shrimps Trust and Lizzi Collinge, says "the first team have had to stop all football operations as the required insurance which was in place has now lapsed as payment has not been made".
Thursday July 31: A further joint statement, by Panjab Warriors and the minority shareholders action group, says "as of Monday, 4th August, the club is officially shut" unless the sale is completed. Tarnia Elsworth steps down as chair of the Shrimps Trust and is given a standing ovation by members for her work over the past year in what the trust called "undoubtedly the most challenging period in the history of Morecambe FC", during the organisation's Annual General Meeting held at the Strathmore hotel.
Friday August 1: Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, reveals she's written to Mr Whittingham calling on him to complete the sale. It is announced that an event celebrating Morecambe FC, to raise money for the Shrimps Trust, will be held at the Winter Gardens in Morecambe on August 22.
Monday August 4: Beyond Radio visits the club where a small number of employees - including members of management - are still going about their duties. No official closure date is confirmed by the staff we spoke to and the club's much-loved kit man of 30 years, Les Dewhirst, tells us that today "was never the last day".
Tuesday August 5: Hundreds of supporters queue for hours along the Promenade in a show of unity, on the first day of the three-day launch of the 2025/26 Morecambe FC kit held at the former Beach Cafe.
Wednesday August 6: Stuart Glover, CEO of the club's official charity the Morecambe FC Community Foundation, says it's "business as usual" for them and their activities will continue at the Mazuma "until somebody puts a padlock on the front door". A small number of Morecambe staff are still working inside the stadium.
Meanwhile the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, when asked about the Morecambe FC crisis by Greatest Hits Radio, says "we have to do everything we can" to protect the Shrimps and other football clubs who are struggling.
Friday August 8: Panjab Warriors release a statement saying a latest attempt to move the sale process on has been thwarted after Bond Group cancelled a proposed mediation meeting in London on Thursday.
Saturday August 9: Morecambe fans attend the opening day of the league season as invited guests of other clubs including Bury, Harrogate Town and Kendal Town. But for their suspension from the National League, the Shrimps would have been kicking off away at Boston United today.
Monday August 11: Mr Whittingham and Bond Group release their first public statement for 15 days, saying they had agreed to a mediation meeting with Panjab Warriors on Wednesday. The statement said "we continue to work with a number of potential buyers to secure the future of Morecambe Football Club, all of whom are aware of the urgency of the club’s position and fully expect this process to complete this week". They also said they would appoint an interim board "imminently". The Shrimps Trust described this as "an empty, meaningless statement" and said Mr Whittingham "hasn't just run the club into the ground, he's burying it."
Thursday August 14: Bond Group and Panjab Warriors announce that "an agreement has been reached in principle" over the sale. The Shrimps Trust calls this "a significant step forward" in the long-running saga. The same day, it's announced that HMRC has applied for a winding up petition against Morecambe Football Club.Limited.
Friday August 15: Club staff Rob Smith and Oliver Wilson Fish are appointed directors of Morecambe Football Club.Limited.
Read more:
Morecambe FC crisis: "Agreement reached in principle" over sale of club - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC Crisis: Fans slate club's owner as he breaks silence after 15 days - Beyond Radio
Football community pledges support to Morecambe FC on day season due to start - Beyond Radio
INTERVIEW: Business as usual for Morecambe Football Club's official charity - Beyond Radio
INTERVIEW: Morecambe FC women and girls "will wear badge with pride" during crisis - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks out on Shrimps' plight - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC fans queue for hours in show of unity amid huge demand for new kit - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: "It was never the last day" - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Top government minister calls on Shrimps owner to sell club - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC fans' group chair to step down from role - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: First team football operations at club have stopped - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Shrimps suspended from National League - reaction - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Shrimps suspended from National League - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Pre-season match "will go ahead" amid dismay over club's future - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Owner names head of prospective new buyers of club - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Fans rally round to offer support to playing staff - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: "Club effectively grinding to a halt" - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Panjab Warriors threaten legal action after Shrimps sale U-turn - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC crisis: Owner announces last-minute new buyer of club - Beyond Radio
Businesses rally round to help Morecambe FC staff as wages remain unpaid - Beyond Radio
Morecambe FC owners-in-waiting say club is "being held hostage" over delayed sale - Beyond Radio
UPDATED: Morecambe FC takeover deal still not done as board resign for second time - Beyond Radio
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