Morecambe FC free to sign players again after National League transfer embargo lifted

A transfer embargo placed on Morecambe FC by the National League has been lifted, it has been confirmed.

The embargo was put in place at the end of February, for what was described as ‘non-compliance with league financial regulations.’

The club said it was because of a commercial dispute between current owners, Panjab Warriors, and former owners Bond Group,

It meant that the Shrimps were prevented from signing a new player or changing the terms of an existing loan deal, but now manager Jim Bentley can add to his squad after it was removed.

The National League deadline for clubs to register players is 5pm next Thursday, March 26.

In a statement, the club said: ‘’Morecambe Football Club is pleased to confirm that the National League has lifted the embargo previously placed on the Club.

‘’As previously communicated, the Club was placed under embargo earlier this month following a payment issue relating to a commercial dispute with Bond Group Investments.

‘’Since that time, the Club has been in ongoing dialogue with the National League and all relevant parties to resolve the situation as quickly and transparently as possible.

‘’This development follows extensive lobbying and the provision of additional detailed information to the National League by the Club’s owners and senior management. This outcome now allows the Club to focus on the remainder of the 2025/26 season.

‘’The Board would like to place on record its thanks to the National League for their cooperation throughout this process, as well as to our staff, players, and supporters for their patience and continued backing during this period.

‘’The Club remains fully committed to meeting all National League regulations and ensuring long-term stability both on and off the pitch.’’

It was the second sanction of the campaign for the Shrimps, who in August 2025, following their relegation from the English Football League, were suspended from beginning the National League season, and placed under a player registration embargo, while still under the ownership of Bond Group.

This was only lifted upon completion of the takeover of the club by Panjab Warriors, and having paid all outstanding wages to staff and payments to HMRC, four days before their season finally began, three weeks late.

On the pitch, Morecambe are three points from safety inside the relegation zone, with eight games of the season remaining.