Football work permits refused

Many leading EPL clubs faced major work permit issues during the January transfer window.

GFS has conducted extensive research of transfer activity involving players from outside the European Economic Area during the last two windows. Not surprisingly, given the FA’s more restrictive requirements introduced with effect from 1st May 2015 (see - http://www.thefa.com/news/thefa/2015/mar/england-commission-update-work-permits-fa-chairman-greg-dyke), some high profile applications have been rejected including, most recently, Aston Villa’s attempt to sign Croatian keeper, Kalinic.

Moreover, many clubs have decided not to pursue transfers involving players from outside Europe because they believe they will have their work permit application refused. Other clubs have chosen to pay massively inflated transfer fees and increased player wages to attempt to meet the restrictive criteria. Clubs, players or agents wishing to obtain a copy of GFS’ analysis and to discuss GFS player accessibility solutions should contact us.