As a UK employer which includes professional clubs, can employ foreign nationals to come and work as a sportsperson. You must hold a sponsor licence and would need to comply with any sport’s regulation requirements in the UK.

Home Office sets outs Code of Practice for Sports Governing Bodies - which is required to be followed.

To employ a foreign national in this route – they must be an elite sportsperson or qualified coach. Must be internationally established and their employment in the UK will develop their sport.

Following the approval from a Governing Body Endorsement (GBE) - – the individual in question can then be sponsored and the issuance of the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) can be done.

The foreign national you intend to employ would need to apply for entry clearance and must meet the English language, as well as the financial and employment requirements.