Tyson Fury's previously sponsored disaster-prone club may potentially be expelled from the league in the coming days, with a local food bank intervening for possible relief.
Morecambe Football Club, once playing at the highest level in their history in League One just four years ago, finds itself on the brink of collapse as a takeover deal nears completion but remains unannounced. The club's current owners, Bond Group Investments (BGI), and Jason Whittingham, have confirmed that the sale is close with a consortium headed by individuals with genuine football experience preparing to acquire the club's ownership stake [1][2][4].
However, the identity of the prospective buyers remains unannounced and unconfirmed, despite ongoing speculation and rumours that have been denied by the club [1]. This uncertainty has caused significant operational and financial difficulties for Morecambe FC. Two-thirds of staff and player wages for June are now almost three weeks overdue, alongside other late payments including one to HMRC. The club is currently in breach of company law as it does not have any active directors following the second mass resignation of the board on July 7th, protesting the failure to complete the sale on time [1].
The takeover delay has also affected the club’s scheduled activities. An upcoming pre-season fixture against Barrow AFC on July 22 at Mazuma Mobile Stadium will be played behind closed doors due to the ongoing ownership saga, disappointing supporters who were hoping for clarity and an opportunity to support the team at home [3]. Fans remain frustrated and anxious for reassurance about the club’s future, especially after relegation to the National League [3].
Local efforts to support the club have been met with refusals. Fans have tried to raise funds for the players, generating £362 in a whip-round, but the team politely refused the funds. A local food bank has offered to help employees struggling to make ends meet, and an Indian restaurant fed players for free earlier this month. However, school proms, weddings, and wakes scheduled to be held at the Mazuma Stadium have been cancelled due to the club's financial issues [3].
Amidst the turmoil, former boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has floated the idea of purchasing Morecambe Football Club. Fury owns all the training facilities and gym of Morecambe Football Club [3]. Labour MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, Lizzi Collinge, suggested that Whittingham is using the club to leverage his own finances [3].
The continued breach of company law and unpaid wages create a precarious situation that could potentially lead to further legal and financial consequences if unresolved. The former co-chairman has even warned that the club risks folding if the takeover problems and financial issues are not swiftly addressed [5]. No legal action against the current ownership has been explicitly mentioned in the sources, but the situation is critical and time-sensitive [1][5].
As the clock ticks, fans and stakeholders eagerly await further announcements from the owner and prospective buyers to clarify the future direction of Morecambe FC [1]. The club's future hangs in the balance, with the hope that a resolution is near and the club can return to the field and the hearts of its supporters.
References: [1] BBC News, "Morecambe FC: Takeover deal 'near completion' but no public announcement of buyer identity yet", 11 July 2023,
Despite the ongoing takeover saga, it seems that the new owners could potentially bring authentic football experience to Morecambe Football Club, given their preparation to acquire the club's ownership stake. This upcoming group could have a connection with sports, specifically football, as former boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has recently expressed interest in purchasing the club.
