A Guide To The UK’s International Sportsperson Visa For Footballers & Agents

Recent history dictates that no sportsperson travelling to compete in another country should underestimate the uncompromising nature of the immigration system. Novak Djokovic[1] was prevented from competing in the Australian Open after his visa was cancelled in 2022. More recently, Swiss Football Club, Servette, was knocked back in the UEFA Champions League after one of their star midfielders, Gaël Ondoua[2], was denied entry to the UK to play a qualifying game against the Scottish Rangers.

In the UK, the fact that a visa application has been required for all foreign professional footballers since Brexit - which provided the context for the introduction of the International Sportsperson visa - means the importance of forward planning when it comes to immigration matters cannot be understated. Agents, and the players they represent, should ensure they have a good understanding of the options available when considering a transfer from overseas to the UK.

This article provides an overview of the International Sportsperson visa, with a focus on foreign footballers coming to play in Premier League and EFL:

• International Sportsperson visa: the preferred route for the elite athlete
• When to apply
• What is Governing Body Endorsement?
• Understanding the Elite Significant Contribution exemption
• What role does the Club play in the visa process?
• Can the player settle in the UK?
• Can the player bring their family?
• Key points