I follow speedway and the same thing has happened to clubs in that sport too, with some Australians and Americans being refused visas. I suspect this decision has, in reality, come from UKVI rather than the FA but has been dressed up as an FA decision.
Wow! I am amazed by the hypocrisy expressed here which may be sexist in origin. "Let's stop all these non-EU footballers from playing for British clubs but don't stop non-EU spouses from settling in the UK".
Many wives come in to be with their husbands. These footballers swan in to line their pockets to the detriment of our national team. Something had to be done, I just wish it was done earlier.
I see this in terms of it not being good for the quality of English football. Too many foreign players in the premier league are stifling young english talent. A balance is called for.
Not applicable to British nationals, thanks to this and the previous (Labour) governments. Then that should also apply to players from within the EU, no? Nigel Farage would be proud of you for holding such views. Suppose a British club wanted to sign Phil Younghusband, who is a striker with the Philippine national team; would that be detrimental to the quality of English football?
Considering the Philippines national team lost 6-1 to L A Galaxy once when I was in Manila I'd say it probably would, yes. Not sure what point you're making here anyway. Seems he was born and grew up in England so probably has dual nationality. Therefore this would have nothing to do with him anyway.
He has been approached by several English clubs but he wants to make his life in the Philippines. He apparently has no family or other ties to the UK now; both his (English) father and (Philippine) mother are dead. The point I'm trying to make is the lack of consistency. You and others have portrayed an understandable defensiveness towards Philippine spouses and your belief that an Englishman's right to family life is threatened by any move to control immigration. I mostly agree with you but if you're going to hold that point of view, then you can not have any objection to footballers from non-EU countries being signed by British clubs. JohnAsh says but does he also have a problem with all the foreign workers employed in the health service who, one could argue, are "stifling young english talent (sic)" and some of whom may have come to the UK as spouses? And yet he is the first to complain about people being inconsistent!!
I don't, personally, have any objections whatsover to non EU footballers playing here. Although the two things aren't connected as far as I can see. If Phil Younghusband was born in Britain to a British father then this has nothing to do with him anyway as he wouldn't be a non-EU player. I know of him because my wife has spoken about him. She reckons he's happy in The Philippines because he is one of the best players, but if he went to England he'd be rubbish compared to the players here.
It should also apply to Europeans. It is English football that needs to be preserved. I know the angle you are coming in from but it doesnt apply. These guys arent on Spouse visas and right now many premiership teams are fielding 9 or 10 foreign players every week. I dont believe Greg Dyke is acting on behalf of the UKVI. He is simply trying to discourage the demise of the state of the English player in the English game. Even if they knocked it back to 50% it would still be a good move yet still provide employment for a lot of foreign footballers if that is what might concern someone trying to make a big deal out this.
This is typical rubbish that you purvey. As Maharg points out, you fail to recognise the difference of the circumstance. I could waste my time going into the detail but it would be just that, a waste of time. I think you are looking for an argument. Not a rational debate.
You have been caught-out with your own inconsistency and selective(?) xenophobia, Mr Ash, and it is you who is looking for an argument by your rather hostile posting style. Immigrants from abroad have made huge positive contributions to the country, be they footballers, nurses, musicians or spouses. The only difference between them is the type of visa they hold, or not, in the case of EU nationals. If you believe there should be no foreigners in English football then there should be no Polish plumbers or binmen from Greece.
You are not worth replying to. Please do not reply to my posts as I do not want to waste my time defending your ludicrous accusations which have no foundation. Please go somewhere else to ply your sport. Thanks.
