Yesterday Morecambe FC owner Jason Whittingham said there was a new bidder for the club.
Originally he said he was going to sell to Panjab Warriors.
Panjab Warriors Response to Breach of Public Commitments by Bond Group Investments Ltd
The
Panjab Warriors are dismayed by the events that have unfolded since the
public confirmation of our acquisition of Morecambe Football Club. In
light of Bond Group Investments Ltd’s latest announcement suggesting the
sale of the club to an alternative party, we feel compelled to provide
clarity to supporters, regulators, and the wider football community.
On Friday, July 4, 2025, two formal statements were published on the official Morecambe FC website:
The Morecambe FC Board of Directors stated:
“The
Board of Directors have unanimously agreed to rejoin Morecambe FC and
facilitate the sale of Bond Group's shares to Panjab Warriors, which is
intended to complete on Monday.”
“All we can promise is that we
will do everything in our powers to make it happen, get wages paid, and
begin at last to look forwards.”
A statement on behalf of Jason Whittingham and Bond Group Investments Ltd confirmed:
“Bond
Group Investments LTD and Panjab Warriors Sports LTD have today agreed
final terms for the transfer of ownership and sale of Morecambe Football
Club Limited, subject to contract, and intend to complete the sale… on
Monday 7th July 2025.”
“Panjab Warriors will now engage with the
National League... and provide evidence that the club will be in a
stable financial position moving forward.”
These were not
speculative intentions—they were formal acknowledgements of a concluded
negotiation process. The Panjab Warriors had already received full EFL
approval, with all terms agreed and financial conditions satisfied. We
entered this process in good faith and have, over the past 14 months,
contributed significant funding to support the operational survival of
the club, including payroll and working capital, at the repeated request
of Bond Group Investments Ltd (BGI).
Such statements were not
verbal assurances—they were repeatedly reiterated by BGI through various
modes of communication, including emails, written correspondence, and
formal requests. These communications consistently reaffirmed that
financial support was being sought to maintain the club’s operations
while the sale to Panjab Warriors was finalised, and that the agreed
acquisition would be completed upon receipt of EFL approval.
All
funds advanced to the club—structured as interest-free loans—were
provided strictly on the basis of these written assurances. It is now
clear that such representations were misleading, and that we were
induced to provide critical financial support under false pretences.
Had
it not been for the specific written undertakings and confirmations
from BGI, we would never have entered into such financial commitments.
We now find ourselves in a position where, having honoured every
obligation and provided over a year of support to keep the club alive,
the sale is being diverted in favour of a last-minute party, without
transparency or justification.
This is not only a fundamental
breach of trust, but may constitute misrepresentation and bad faith
dealing, with potential legal consequences that we are now actively
exploring.
The Implications
The Panjab Warriors were formally approved by the EFL, fully funded, and ready to complete the deal immediately.
The public commitment by both the Club Board and Bond Group leaves no room for ambiguity.
The
introduction of a new party at the final hour—after formal statements,
EFL approval, and financial reliance—raises serious legal and regulatory
questions.
We are currently seeking legal advice and will begin
exploring all legal avenues, including action for misrepresentation and
recovery of funds.
Regrettably, should this matter not be
resolved swiftly and honourably, we will be forced to consider legal
action to recover the substantial loans and financial support provided.
While we have no desire to take action against Morecambe Football Club
itself, we may be left with no alternative if Bond Group’s conduct
continues to compromise both the club and our investment.