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Footballs going home

In today’s blog we will be looking at some famous cases of footballer’s and their visa issues. This week in immigration new footballer Chancel Mbemba’s proposed move the Newcastle has been more lengthy than both the club and player may have wanted due to issues relating to his work permit. In this blog post we will examine what the rules dictating foreign footballer’s and work permits are as well as highlighting some famous cases.

For footballers from the EU the process of obtaining a work permit fairly straightforward because of the freedom of movement between EU member states. However, for players who come from outside of the European Union the process behind obtain a work permit can be rather complex in terms of the criteria that needs to be met.

Why can it be difficult for non-EEA players to obtain a work permit?

Tightening of visa restrictions in recent years were rolled out by the F.A under the leadership of former BBC Director General Greg Dyke with the intention of fostering more grass roots development of English footballers.

The FA’s website states that – the aim of the current system is to allow only non-EEA (European Economic Area) players who are “internationally established at the highest level” and “whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level” (Source)

What criteria do non-EEA footballers have to meet?

Amongst various other criteria, in order to establish that the player is an international player of the highest calibre the following criteria must be met:

  • A player must have player for his country in at least 75% of its competitive A team matches of which he was available for selection, during the two years preceding the date of the application
  • The player’s country must be at or above 50th place in the official FIFA world rankings when averaged over the two years preceding the date of the application

A competitive A team international match is one of the following:

  • World Cup Finals game
  • World Cup Qualifying group game
  • Football Association confederation tournament game, for example:
  • The FIFA Confederations Cup
  • The UEFA European Championships and Qualifiers
  • The African Cup of Nations and Qualifiers
  • The Asia Nations Cup and Qualifiers
  • The CONCACAF Gold Cup
  • The CONCACAF The Copa Caribe
  • The CONMEBOL Copa America
  • The OFC Nations Cup and
  • The UNCAF Nations Cup

 

What is the process?

Generally, the team who sign the player have the responsibility to submit the application to the FA and to the home office. Often, teams will need written confirmation of the player’s involvement and appearances in international competitive A class matches as defined above. For more detailed information and an overview of the official FA document click here. If an application is refused there exists the possibility of the club appealing the decision.

Famous cases of footballer who have been refused

Did you know that these players have been refused work permits? Click on the link for more details and impress your friends with some trivia!

Jamaica’s Rudy Austin recently had his move to Sheffield Wednesday break down due to Jamaica not being a top 50 side.

In 2013 USA striker Juan Agudelo failed to meet the established criteria needed to obtain a work permit.

And finally in 2012 Brazilian striker Enrique of Sao Paolo saw his proposed move to QPR collapse.

Can you think of any other footballers who have had visa issues? Comment below!

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