UK Football Visas - How The FA’s ‘Elite Significant Contribution’ Criteria Apply to Foreign Players

Wednesday, 25 October 2023 Author: Charlotte O'Connor, Owen Chan

The summer football transfer window in the UK ended on 1 September and with it the end of the first transfer window allowing for Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) under the new ‘Elite Significant Contribution’ (ESC) criteria for overseas footballers looking to secure an International Sportsperson visa to play in the UK.

The new ESC criteria apply to elite foreign players who will make a significant contribution to the sport. It was introduced following a consultation process with stakeholders to address the implications of a significantly reduced talent pool following Brexit. The Premier League, for example, had expressed concerns 1 that the post-Brexit rules and regulations meant that clubs had to pay more to secure talent.

This article examines the ways to obtain a GBE as a football player for an International Sportsperson visa, looking at:

International Sportsperson visas for the UK
The three traditional routes to secure a GBE
The new additional ESC endorsement route
- Criteria for ESC Players
The “foreign player vs homegrown talent” balance
Conclusion and looking ahead

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Tags: EFL | Football | Immigration | Premier League | UK

Written by

Charlotte O'Connor

Charlotte is a member of Charles Russell Speechlys Knowledge Development Lawyers supporting the immigration team and has several years of experience in immigration for both private clients and corporates. She helps keep the team up to date in relation to legislative and other aspects relevant to their field of work, as well as organizing related training.

Owen Chan

Owen is an Associate in Charles Russell Speechlys Immigration team. He provides legal advice to individuals and businesses on a wide range of UK immigration issues, with a growing practice focusing on assisting Asian and Chinese clients and companies to relocate to the UK.