Morecambe informed of winding-up petition by HMRC

Morecambe have been informed by HMRC about a winding-up petition against the club.

The PA news agency understands the club, currently suspended by the National League due to their financial issues, contacted HMRC on Friday morning and were told it had filed for a winding-up order.

The club announced on Thursday that an agreement in principle had been reached for the sale of the majority shareholding to Panjab Warriors, and that documentation had been submitted to the National League.

Should the takeover proceed, there is confidence within the club that HMRC liabilities would be settled in full.

HMRC did not confirm a winding-up petition had been served against the club, but a spokesperson issued a general comment stating: “We take a supportive approach to dealing with customers who have tax debts and only file winding-up petitions once we’ve exhausted all other options, in order to protect taxpayers’ money.”

Morecambe fans’ group, the Shrimps Trust, cautiously welcomed Thursday’s announcement on the agreement in principle for Jason Whittingham and the Bond Group to sell their majority stake.

The Trust confirmed a “constructive” meeting had taken place between the Bond Group and Panjab Warriors, adding: “This represents a significant step forward in the process.

“While we remain cautious until the necessary approvals have been confirmed, all parties have verified this information with us, giving us some assurance that a resolution is in sight.”

The club said they hoped the agreement “paves the way for continued stability and a positive future both on and off the pitch”.

Bond Group said in a statement: “We would like to thank all of the staff at the club for their forbearance and can only apologise for the stress this has caused.”

Panjab Warriors have not yet commented on the agreement.

There have been fears Morecambe could follow the same path as Bury, who were expelled from the EFL in 2019 over their financial issues.

The club’s plight has drawn political attention, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressing his concern last week and urging everyone involved to “do the right thing”.

That followed Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy writing to Morecambe owner Whittingham calling on him to sell up.

The National League suspended Morecambe last month until August 20, when the league’s Compliance and Licensing Committee will meet again.