Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions her Department has had with (a) the Premier League, (b) the English Football League and (c) other national sports governing bodies on ensuring that the new immigration system meets the requirements of elite sports.

Home Office officials are in regular contact with each of the recognised Sports Governing Bodies, annually reviewing the criteria that applies to each sport. This process of review ensures we strike the right balance between enabling top level international sportspeople to come to the UK, whilst protecting opportunities for resident sportspeople.

The Home Office approved Sports Governing Bodies are listed at Appendix M of the Immigration Rules: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-m-sports-governing-bodies.