Brexit – How will it impact immigration in football?

With the UK’s exit from the European Union, from 1st January 2021, new Immigration Rules have been introduced for the sports industry, which mean that the majority of individuals relocating to the UK from the EU will now need to qualify for a visa. This means that EU players who would, previously, have entered under the freedom of movement rules and only had to worry about contract negotiations will now need to qualify for a visa, including receiving an approval from the relevant sport’s appropriate governing body, such as the FA. Whilst this will have an effect on other sports, as they will also have to comply with the new immigration rules, and potential changes by their governing bodies, the largest (and most visible) impact will be felt in football. Will the new rules fundamentally change the UK’s footballing landscape?