UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

UK visa rules hit rugby league clubs

Wednesday, 26 August 2009

The UK's Rugby Football League ('RFL') has voiced fears that further players could be deported from the UK in the wake of the Celtic Crusaders visa scandal.

Six of the Wales-based Crusaders overseas professional players have had their visas revoked and been ordered to leave the UK by 7th September due to breaching work-related conditions on their visas. An investigation by the UK Border Agency ('UKBA') revealed the six had played illegally in the UK between 2006-2008 whilst holding working holiday or student visas - neither of which permit employment as a professional athlete. Criminal charges may also be bought against the Crusaders with the players in question facing a ban of up to 10 years from returning to the UK.

A post-investigation audit by the RFL revealed that up to 13 other rugby league clubs employ players with the same visas as those held by the Crusaders players - putting them also at risk of investigation by the UKBA.

Speaking of the investigation, RFL Communications Manager, Mr Craig Spence said:

"It is not good for the game and we are looking forward to receiving the UK Border Agency's report. The RFL have launched their own investigation into the Crusaders visa scandal. This issue is regarding players being on working or holiday-maker visas from the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Now we've looked into it and there are 13 other clubs that employ players on the same visas. So we need to find out why these six players are being singled out or have they done something wrong with their visa applications and that's why they've been deported."

Commenting further however, Mr Spence levelled some of the blame at the UKBA themselves saying:

"I think the UK Border Agency needs to be clearer on their current rules. They have changed their rules here three times in the last nine years."

If you are interested in UK Visas, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the UK.