Football Association of Wales

Work Permit Guidelines The Government has introduced the Points Based System (PBS) to be effective from 27 November 2008, as a better means to manage economic migration.

Football and other sports will be affected by the introduction of PBS as the responsibility for managing applications for work permits for players and managers/first team coaches moves from Government to the Sports Governing Body.

In Wales, the requirements for players’ and managers’ permits are agreed between the UK Border Agency and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), The Welsh Premier League, The FA Premier League, The Football League, Professional Footballers’ Association and League Managers’ Association, along with the other Home Associations, which deal with applications from their own clubs.

Clubs will need to join a Register of Sponsors in order to issue individual players who meet the requirements with Certificates of Sponsorship (the equivalent of the former work permit). In order to join the Register, Clubs will need to have received a Governing Body Endorsement from the FAW. Governing Body Endorsements will also be required for individual player applications submitted by clubs.

Further information can be found at the UK Border Agency Website http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/

INFORMATION ON THE CRITERIA FOR NON-EUROPEAN ECONOMIC MIGRANTS SEEKING EMPLOYMENT AS A FOOTBALL PLAYER OR FOOTBALL MANAGER FOR A CLUB AFFILIATED TO THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF WALES IS GIVEN BELOW.