Sports Immigration, Visas, and Governing Body Endorsements

For most clubs, the ability to employ overseas nationals is (or will become) vital. Player, coaching and support staff may require visas, including the required governing body endorsement from the likes of The FA, the RFU, or the ECB.

If they meet the criteria, we’ll assist with pulling together the application. If they don’t, we’ll advise on whether an exceptions panel application can be made and prepare the application to put the individual’s best foot forward.

We can advise athletes and their support staff on attending tournaments or events in the UK, and coming into the UK as visitors.

Where a club is sold, we can advise on and action the urgent sponsor licence steps that may be required.

We can also handle the full complement of business immigration issues, from obtaining and managing sponsor licences, to ensure right to work check compliance.

With more and more overseas investors buying into UK clubs, it’s important to have a skilled worker licence, in addition to your sporting licence, so that executive level roles can be hired from overseas.

Find out more about how we support sports organisations, and our wider Sports Law team, by visiting our dedicated page here.

Explore our Employment & Immigration support and team here.